Investigation of the liquid crystalline properties of frog retinal rods
Abstract
A study has been made on the liquid crystalline properties of frog retinal rod outer segments (ROS) using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Optical Polarizing Microscopy (OPM). Results showed two phase transitions at around 42°C and 100°C. Correspondingly, observations under crossed polars showed non-conformity of the sample to different lyotropic textures. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was also done so as to confirm the functional groups that are to be found in the sample.