Radiation target analyses of DNA template/primer complexes.
Frozen solutions of low molecular weight DNA template/primer complexes, in the absence and presence of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, were irradiated with high-energy electrons. Molecules that survived the radiation exposure were quantified and analyzed using radiation target theory. Transfer of radiation-deposited energy was observed by the damage caused. It was found that damage (as a polynucleotide chain break) was observed in one chain when the radiation interaction occurred in the other chain, suggesting a transfer of energy. In contrast, the target sizes of the DNA template/primers were not altered if bound to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, signifying that the deposited radiation energy is not transferred between protein and nucleic acid.
Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. cremern@dom.pitt.edu
Nicolas
N
Sluis-Cremer
Ellis S
ES
Kempner
D017931:DNA Primers / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004735:Energy Transfer / Q000528:radiation effects; D054303:HIV Reverse Transcriptase / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D013698:Templates, Genetic
D017931:DNA Primers; D004279:DNA, Viral; D054303:HIV Reverse Transcriptase