Tris buffer protects DNA backbone against breakage upon irradiation with ultraviolet light

We show that Tris molecules protect DNA against nicking upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. However, the protective effect only concerns DNA backbone but not bases and it is observed in aqueous solution but not in formamide. Changes of pH or ionic strength due to Tris have no effect on the prot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGeneral physiology and biophysics Vol. 12; no. 4; p. 317
Main Authors Kejnovský, E, Kypr, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Slovakia 01.08.1993
Subjects
Bacteriophage lambda
DNA - drug effects
DNA - radiation effects
DNA Damage - drug effects
DNA, Fungal - drug effects
DNA, Fungal - isolation & purification
DNA, Fungal - radiation effects
DNA, Viral - drug effects
DNA, Viral - isolation & purification
DNA, Viral - radiation effects
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Electrophoresis, Agar Gel
Escherichia coli
Tromethamine - pharmacology
Ultraviolet Rays
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Summary:We show that Tris molecules protect DNA against nicking upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. However, the protective effect only concerns DNA backbone but not bases and it is observed in aqueous solution but not in formamide. Changes of pH or ionic strength due to Tris have no effect on the protection. The present observation has a practical importance for photofootprinting studies of DNA and its complexes with proteins but it can also serve as a basis for a development of a novel method reflecting DNA hydration and conformation.
ISSN:0231-5882