Abstract
Abstract— Photoreactivating enzyme (PRE) monomerizes cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers formed in DNA by UV light (Λ < 300 nm). The enzyme requires near UV and visible wavelengths (300 < Λ < 600 nm) for activity. Possible mechanisms of action of the PRE are suggested by non‐enzymatic processes in which pyrimidine dimers are monomerized by UV and visible light. Two such non‐enzymatic processes are (a) photolysis of dimers resulting from direct absorption of UV, and (b) sensitized monomerization involving charge transfer complexes. Several lines of evidence suggest that the mechanism of action of the PRE more closely resembles (b) than (a). Recent experiments on the PRE from E. coli reveal the presence of new long wavelength absorption which may indicate the presence of a ground state complex. The known ability of PRE to monomerize dimers of thymine, cytosine and uracil suggests that the carbonyl groups at 2 position of the pyrimidine ring may be important in the interaction between enzyme and dimer.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 435-440 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Photochemistry and Photobiology |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1977 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry