Simple immunochemical method for measuring DNA repair rate in u.v.-irradiated bacteria

Abstract

A straightforward immunochemical method is reported to determine the repair rate of DNA in u.v. (ultraviolet-irradiated bacteria based on use of antibodies specifically interacting with u.v.-irradiated DNA. The method involves quantitative precipitation of labeled 3H-DNA on nitrocellulose filters in the presence of specific antiserum. The method is justified that the dimers are almost completely eliminated in cells of wild strain during postradiation incubation after u.v.-irradiation with 400 ergs/mm 2. In the cells of u.v.-sensitive uvr A6 mutant the dimers are practically not affected, whereas in those of uvr 502 strain excision of the dimers does take place, though more slowly than in wild strain bacteria. The reported approach gives results in good accord with those obtained by other chromatographically.