PYRIMIDINE DIMER FORMATION IN ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATED TMV‐RNA

Abstract
Abstract— The formation of pyrimidine dimers on ultraviolet irradiation of TMV‐RNA in water is demonstrated in the region from 254 nm to 302 nm. No dimer is present in either unirradiated E. coli ribosomal RNA or TMV‐RNA. Dimer formation was also examined in TMV‐RNA irradiated in the presence of 5times10‐6 M proflavin, in high salt, on dry ice, and in 90% methanol. No correlation of pyrimidine dimers with any biologically defined lesion is presently possible and it is suggested that dimer may not be involved in the inactivation of this material.