Biochemical studies on the lethal effects of solar and artificial ultraviolet radiation on Staphylococcus aureus.
The effects of UV-B radiation generated in the laboratory and as a component of sunlight on the viability and particular biochemical activities of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus have been examined. UV-B radiation progressively inhibits protein synthesis (assayed as 3H-alanine incorporation) and kills cells. Cell respiration, and RNA and DNA synthesis (3H-uridine and 3H-thymidine incorporation) were not greatly affected by UV-B irradiation. The OH. and 1O2-free radical scavengers protected cells against killing and inhibition of protein synthesis by UV-B, suggesting that such radicals mediate the effects of UV-B on this organism. A similar protective effect using a ferric ion chelator suggests an important role for metallic ions in UV-B lethality.
el-Adhami
W
W
Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Australian National University, Canberra ACT.
Daly
S
S
Stewart
P R
PR
D002614:Chelating Agents; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D008027:Light; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000528:radiation effects; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000528:radiation effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D002614:Chelating Agents; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D010100:Oxygen