Dynamics of B-DNA in the solid state

Hydrated solid B-form DNA is shown to have large amplitude motions of the phosphodiester groups and immobile bases at temperatures above 5 °C. The ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift powder pattern of DNA in the solid state is significantly averaged by motions that are rapid compared to 10⁴ Hz. The DNA was labelled with deuterium at the C-8 purine position by exchange. The ²H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra have complete static quadrupole powder patterns indicative of no motions fast compared to 10⁶ Hz at 50 °C.