The first application of the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equation to biological problem: A new interpretation of the temperature dependent hydrogen exchange rates of the thrombin-binding DNA

The Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation, which is widely applied in condensed matter physics, is for the first time applied to analysis of the hydrogen exchange rates of DNA as a function of temperature. The VFT equation, which for hydrogen exchange should read k(ex) = A exp[-(E/R)/(T-T-0)], contains a constant temperature To. When we analyzed the hydrogen exchange rates for the thrombin binding DNA aptamer d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) as a function of temperature using the VFT equation, we found that To happens to be the melting temperature of the DNA. A quantitative relationship is established between the VFT equation and the Arrhenius equation. Under suitable conditions the VFT equation can be reduced to the Arthenius equation. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.