Hoff versus Calorimetric Enthalpies

Calorimetric (DSC) measurements yield thermodynamic properties of duplex melting in these oligonucleotides independent of any assumptions concerning the model of melting, such as a cooperative all-or-none process versus a noncooperative, multiple-stage melting process. Comparison of calorimetric enthalpies with van t Hoff enthalpies obtained either from the manipulation of heat capacity curves outlined in equations (16.19) to (16.22), or from optical or NMR measurements [equations (16.14) to (16.17)] allows conclusions to be drawn concerning the size of the cooperative unit. If the two... 

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