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Synergism between 365- and 254-nm radiations for inactivation of Escherichia coli

Journal Article · · Radiat. Res.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3574890· OSTI ID:7056897
The lethal interaction between radiations at 254 and 365 nm was studied in strains of Escherichia coli K12 that differ in repair capability. Increased sensitivity to 254-nm radiation was produced by a prior exposure to large fluences of 365-nm radiation for both stationary-phase and exponential-phase cells of strains K12 AB1157 (wild type) and K12 AB1886 (excision deficient). Results presented support the hypothesis that damage by 365-nm radiation to recombination and excision repair is a major cause of synergism between 365- and 254-nm radiations and a major factor in 365-nm inactivation of strains proficient in postreplication and/or excision repair. The interaction between 365- and 254-nm radiations in the postreplication repair-deficient strain (K12 AB2463) was complex: The 254-nm sensitivity decreased at relatively low fluences of 365-nm radiation (< 8 x 10/sup 5/ J m/sup -2/), but increased relative to the minimum value at greater fluences. The decrease in 254-nm sensitivity after a low fluence at 365 nm reflects the phenomenon of photoprotection, while the increase in 254-nm sensitivity at high 365-nm fluences supports the previous reports of 365-nm damage to the excision-repair system. The strong lethal synergism of 365- and 254-nm radiations was much greater in the radiation-resistant organism Micrococcus radiodurans than in E. coli.
OSTI ID:
7056897
Journal Information:
Radiat. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Radiat. Res.; (United States) Vol. 74:2; ISSN RAREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English