The stability of the B conformation in wet-spun films of CaDNA: a raman study as a function of water content
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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
M Schwenker Smith1, S A Lee, A Rupprecht
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA.
Abstract:
Raman spectra from 600 to 1150 cm(-1) have been collected from wet-spun films of highly oriented CaDNA as a function of relative humidity (rh). Particular attention was paid to the Raman modes at 834 and 807 cm(-1); the presence of these modes indicates that the DNA backbone is in the B or A conformations. Though the B conformation is usually found only under conditions of high hydration in such wet-spun films, CaDNA is found to remain in the B conformation down to 75% rh. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that intermolecular bonds in ordered samples of DNA are critical for the stabilization of the A conformation of DNA.
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