Photoreactivating enzyme activity in the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · J. Parasitol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3280558· OSTI ID:5467639

Woodhead, A D; Achey, P M

There has been considerable speculation about the occurrence of photoreactivating enzyme in different organisms and about its biological purpose. We have developed a simple, sensitive assay for estimating pyrimidine dimers in DNA which is useful in making a rapid survey for the presence of the enzyme. Using this method, we have found photoreactivating enzyme activity in the tissues of the rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta. This parasite spends the majority of its life span in the bodies of its definitive or intermediate hosts, but a period is spent externally. We suggest that photoreactivating enzyme may be important in preserving the integrity of embryonic DNA during this free-living stage.

• OSTI ID: 5467639
• Journal Information: J. Parasitol.; (United States), Vol. 67:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
DNA
PHOTOREACTIVATION
ENZYME ACTIVITY
BIOASSAY
CESTODES
DIMERS
HOST
LIFE CYCLE
PARASITIC DISEASES
PYRIMIDINES
RATS
ANIMALS
AZINES
BIOLOGICAL RECOVERY
BIOLOGICAL REPAIR
DISEASES
HELMINTHS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
MAMMALS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PLATYHELMINTHS
RECOVERY
REPAIR
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
550200* - Biochemistry