Abstract
In this report, we demonstrate that CD spectroscopy can be used as a tool to detect changes to DNA upon irradiation with UV light. We follow the spectroscopic response of DNA samples irradiated at selected exposure times with both CD and UV-Vis spectroscopy. We analyzed four different nucleic acids to evaluate the effect of the sequence on photodegradation. Only one polymer, calf thymus DNA, was a natural nucleic acid and contained all four nucleobases. The other three were synthetic polymers and contained only one type of base pair: poly (deoxyadenylic-deoxythymidylic) acid [poly (dA-dT)2 ] and poly (deoxyadenylic acid) · poly (deoxythymidylic acid) [poly (dA) · poly (dT)], which contained only adenine and thymine; poly (deoxyguanylic-deoxycytidylic) acid [poly (dG-dC)2 ], which contained only guanine and cytosine. CD and UV-Vis spectra showed sequence dependent changes. In particular, poly (dA) · poly (dT) undergoes changes more rapidly than the other sequences investigated. The CD spectrum of poly (dA) · poly (dT) gradually undergoes an inversion, suggesting a change in helicity, before disappearing due to the unfolding of the double strand.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
