Conformation of amylose in water. I. Light‐scattering and sedimentation‐equilibrium measurements

The conformation of amylose in aqueous solution has been found to be dependent on its molecular weight. When the molecular weight of amylose is outside of the so‐called “dissolving gap” described by Burchard (6500<Mr<160,000) it behaves as a random coil, whereas when its molecular weight is within the “dissolving gap,” it easily aggregates forming a rigid coil which is the B‐type (retrograded) amylose. The conformation of this rigid coil is suggested to be a double helix.