The Conformation of Amylose in Dilute Solution

The hydrodynamic behaviour of amylose in dilute solution has been examined in detail. Evidence for, and against, the existence in aqueous solution of a conformation which is predominantly helical in character is critically discussed. Proper interpretation of the solution behaviour of amylose shows that the molecule is a statistical, or random, coil having no helical content in neutral, aqueous solution. In such solutions, the presence of complexing agents causes a coil‐to‐helical in character is critically discussed. Proper interpretation of the solution behaviour of in the presence of salt represents a change from random coil to helix, and not as hitherto suggested, a helix‐to‐coil transition.