Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.105, No.17, 3635-3638, 2001
The dielectric spectrum of ubiquitin in aqueous solution
We report on frequency-dependent dielectric spectra (1 MHz < v < 2 GHz) at 298.15 K of aqueous solutions of the globular protein ubiquitin at weight fractions of the protein up to w(p) = 0.03, corresponding to concentrations up to about 3.4 mmol dm(-3). The spectra show a bimodal structure with two dominant dispersion/loss regimes near 20 MHz and 10 GHz, corresponding to the so-called beta- and gamma -processes found for other proteins. We establish a minor contribution near 100 MHz, which corresponds to the familiar delta -process. The static dielectric constant shows a comparatively large increment. By comparison with results from recent computer simulations, we confirm the usual interpretation of the beta- and gamma-processes in terms of protein tumbling and reorientation of bulk waters, respectively. The delta -process is attributed to protein-water cross interactions. The results contradict a recently developed microscopic theory in which cross interactions between hydration and bulk water due to exchange processes are responsible for beta -relaxation.