The problem of the absorption of the energy of plane electromagnetic radiation by an aqueous solution of macromolecules is considered. A simplified model for the hydrated molecule is employed, consisting of a spherical shell of bound water surrounding a spherical core. The power deposition per unit volume of the shell is calculated in the frequency range 100 MHz-100 GHz for several bound water relaxation frequencies. In each case the corresponding values are also calculated for free water for comparison. The values obtained for the bound water are shown to be significantly higher than those for the free water up to frequencies of at least 1 GHz. The maximum difference between these two sets of values is of the order of a factor of five and occurs roughly at the bound water relaxation frequency. Because of the strong coupling between the bound water molecules and the macromolecules present in biological material this result could be a significant factor in the explanation of the biological effects of microwaves at a molecular level.

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Values of the complex permittivity of human and rabbit lens material in the frequency range 100--6000 MHz are reported. The data were obtained by using an on-line computer-based time-domain spectrometer. The lenses were divided into an outer (cortical) zone and an inner (nuclear) zone and the dielectric properties of each zone were measured separately for both species of lens. The results are analysed in terms of the aqueous and protein constituents, assuming a molecular model whereby the hydrated protein molecule is represented by a spherical particle embedded in an aqueous continuum. It is shown that for lens material taken from the nuclear zone the particle can be separated into protein and bound water (water of hydration). For the cortical zone the amount of water of hydration is smaller and, within the limitations of the model and uncertainties due to experimental error, cannot be distinguished from zero.

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