URACIL-DNA GLYCOSYLASE IN INSECTS - DROSOPHILA AND THE LOCUST

  • 15 June 1989
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 264  (17) , 9911-9914
Abstract
It has been reported that Drosophila lacks a uracil-DNA glycosylase but that a direct incising activity on uracil-containing DNA appeared developmentally only in third instar larvae. In contrast we have found by two independent assays, the uracil-DNA glycosylase exists in both Drosophila eggs as well as in third instar larvae. The first assay shows the liberation of [3H]uracil from a d(AT)n polymer randomly substituted with [3H]uracil by its synthesis in the presence of [3H]dUTP. The second fluorometric assay for uracil-DNA glycosylase depends on the unique topological properties of circular DNAs and has the advantage of detecting apyrimidinic/apurinic (AP) endonuclease activity as well. To test one other insect, locust eggs were also assayed for uracil-DNA glycosylase. The amount of uracil-DNA glycosylase correlated well with the amount of DNA in actively replicating cells.