Killing of bacteria during solar eclipse and its biological implications.
Enhanced killing of bacteria was obtained by radiation reaching the earth during total solar eclipse (February 16, 1980) than during the corresponding time of a normal day (February 26, 1980). The killing was not due to the formation of sunlight induced photoproducts of tryptophan. The damage to the bacteria exposed to sunlight could be repaired by photoreactivation.
D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013472:Sunlight; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays