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Preparation Parameter for Macromolecules

Nature volume 215, pages 1196–1197 (1967)Cite this article

Abstract

SOME measurable parameter which could characterize the methods of isolation of a natural macromolecule from its source would be useful. Such a parameter, it seems, could be provided by a measure of the polydispersity of the buoyant density of the molecules when in solution and subjected to ultracentrifugation. The parameter of interest is the standard deviation γ of the Gaussian distribution of buoyant densities and can be obtained from centrifugation experiments alone if an empirical relationship between sedimentation coefficient s and molecular weight M is known for the material being investigated. In this communication, the theoretical basis for the use of γ is suggested and some preliminary experimental results for various samples of DNA are given.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Southampton,

    W. J. CLOSS & H. G. JERRARD

  2. Department of Physics, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London,

    B. R. JENNINGS

Authors
  1. W. J. CLOSS
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  2. H. G. JERRARD
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  3. B. R. JENNINGS
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CLOSS, W., JERRARD, H. & JENNINGS, B. Preparation Parameter for Macromolecules. Nature 215, 1196–1197 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1038/2151196b0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2151196b0

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