Use of action spectra for identifying molecular targets and mechanisms of action of solar ultraviolet light

Abstract
The use of action spectra in the elucidation of the mechanisms of biological action of solar ultraviolet radiation that reaches the surface of the earth is reviewed, and precautions in the preparation and interpretation of such action spectra are discussed. Original experiments are also described which show correlations between lethality and DNA breakage caused by monochromatic solar ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, which may constitute evidence for an important biological role of DNA breaks leading to lethality in these microorganisms.

This publication has 39 references indexed in Scilit: