Inactivation of Biologically Active DNA by Hydrated Electrons

Abstract

SummaryFrom a comparison of the inactivation yields of gamma-irradiated ϕX174 DNA with and without an electron scavenger, we conclude that hydrated electrons inactivate DNA. However the number of inactivated molecules is only small compared with the number of hydrated electrons available, which is attributed to a low inactivation efficiency (about 8 per cent) and to the presence of impurities. A significant inactivation of ϕX174 DNA by hydrated electrons could be measured, only when the contribution of OH and H radicals was largely suppressed by specific scavengers for these primary radicals.