Possible mechanisms for strand-breaks in DNA induced by stirring

Abstract

When aqueous solutions of DNA are stirred at room temperature, strand breaks occur extensively. Using various spin-traps, coupled with epr spectroscopy, we have shown that this does not proceed via homolysis. It is suggested that breaks occur by hydrolysis at strongly bent regions, momentarily induced by the stirring.

Keywords:

• DNA
• Strand breakage
• spin trapping