STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT ON CERTAIN CONSTITUENTS OF NUCLEIC ACIDS AND RELATED SUBJECTS (ENERGY TRANSFER IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS)
Abstract
The dimerization of thymine in DNA and in a rapidly frozen aqueous solution as a result of UV-irradiation has been confirmed by a great many research workers. The remarkable effect of neutral compounds on the amount of the dimerization in DNA has been investigated in more detail. The conclusions are in agreement with our hypothesis about the important effect of ordered water molecules around the nucleic acids. Orotic acid, another pyrimidine derivative, appears to show also a dimerization-reaction if an aqueous solution of this compound is irradiated by UV-light. This photochemical conversion occurs even in non-frozen aqueous solution. The irradiation product was isolated and purified. According to a rontgenographic investigation the di-orotic acid contains crystal water. In the work on the energy transfer we have found the first examples of an energy transfer in aqueous solution. All available evidence points to triplet-triplet transfer. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0267447
Entities
People
- W. Berends
Organizations
- Delft University of Technology