Inactivation of tobacco mosaic virus ribonucleic acid by near- and middle- ultraviolet light: Sensitization by sulfanilamide and chlortetracycline

Abstract

The inactivation of tobacco mosaic virus-ribonucleic acid infectivity by near (320–400 nm) or middle (290–320 nm) ultraviolet light was promoted by sulfanilamide and chlortetracycline, as well as acetone, hydroquinone, AgNO 3 , and HgCl 2 . Sulfanilamide was an especially effective sensitizing agent. Sulfanilamide and possibly chlortetracycline, like acetone, induced the formation of cyclobutadipyrimidines in the RNA. Damage to nucleic acids may result from clinical use of sulfanilamide and chlortetracycline and may partially explain the skin photosensitization associated with such use.