What is the absorptivity constant of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)?

The absorptivity constant for double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is typically recognized as 50 µg/mL at a wavelength of 260 nm. This value refers to the concentration of dsDNA that will yield an absorbance of 1.0 in a 1 cm path length cuvette, which is crucial for quantifying nucleic acid concentrations in molecular biology.

When measuring the absorbance of nucleic acids, it is important to use an appropriate absorptivity constant to ensure accurate calculations of concentration. This constant allows researchers to relate the absorbance value obtained from spectrophotometric measurements to the actual concentration of dsDNA in solution. The value of 50 µg/mL is derived from standards and is widely accepted in laboratories, making it a reliable figure for practitioners addressing molecular biology applications.