ISSN:
0006-3525
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Optical rotatory dispersion measurements were used to follow the transition from the helical to the random coil conformation of poly-β-benzyl-L-aspartate as induced by changes in temperature and solvent composition in mixtures of dioxane and dimethylsulfoxide. Within experimental error, there is no difference in the stability of the helical state as measured in this way for the protonated and deuterated forms of the polypeptide. This result is considered in terms of previous attempts to study the isotope effect on conformational transitions of helical biological macromolecules and polypeptides. The conclusion is drawn that the apparent changes in conformational stability observed in these previous systems arise from alteration of the properties of the solvent. Speculations are advanced regarding the contribution of the interpeptide bond to the stability of the helical state.
Additional Material:
11 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bip.1972.360110818
