Gamma Irradiation of a DNA-Cu⁺⁺Complex

Abstract

Cu ++ in the DNA-Cu ++ complex is reduced to Cu + during irradiation. This Cu + is responsible for the increased stability of the complex and for the changes in the absorption spectra. The effects of radiation on the complex are those on DNA alone and those produced by Cu +. There is no difference in the radiation response of the DNA, as far as Tm values, absorption spectra and binding places for Cu + are concerned, whether Cu ++ is complexed to DNA or not.