The effect of U.V.‐light on some components of the nucleic acids: I. Uracil, thymine

Abstract

Abstract At least three different reactions occur on irradiation of uracil in aqueous solution with light from a low pressure mercury lamp. One of these is reversible. The most rapid irreversible reaction may be a cause of the mutagenic and lethal effect of this light. The slow irreversible reaction, which also occurs in the irradiation of thymine, is probably brought about by the peroxide, which is produced to a small extent. When they are dissolved in water many compounds have an absorption maximum in the neighbourhood of 200 mμ.