Phase Transitions in the Higher Order Structure of Giant DNA Single Molecular Chain

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The main purpose of the present research project was to study the folding transitions of long polymer chain, especially of giant DNA molecules. We have found that the conformation of giant DNAs is controlled by the addition of various kinds of surfactant. With the adjustment of alcohol concentrations, both the conformation and solvability are controlled (see e. g.; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 121, 1780-1785, 1999). It has been also found that the melting, or helix-coil transition, and the folding transition exhibit the cross-talk each other. When DNA is folded, melting transition is tendid to be prevented. When melting transition is generated, the unfolding of DNA is accelerated.