Production and Excision Repair of Cyclobutane-type Pyrimidine Dimers in the DNA of Turbatrix Acetic

Summary

The production and removal of 254 nm ultraviolet-induced pyramidine dimers was measured in the DNA of the free-living nematode Turbatrix aceti. Approximately 0·0035 per cent pyrimidine dimers are produced per J/m². Following a fluence of 100 Jm², approximately 50 per cent of the dimeric photoproducts were excised within 60 min. The number of pyrimidine dimers excised did not change with increasing U.V. fluence, indicating saturation of the U.V. repair system in T. aceti. The results indicate a highly efficient and selective repair system in Turbatrix aceti for dimeric photoproducts.