[Heat capacity of DNA in native and denatured states]

Heat capacity of DNA in native and denatured states was estimated by the method of microcalorimetry. This value was shown to depend on the transition temperature and is determined by an increase of the number of oscillative freedom degrees of the polynucleotide chains in the state of statistical coils, and by hydrophobic effects and by "the melting of water ridge" located in native DNA in the B-form.