DNA Strand Breakage and Ionization Potentials

Ultra-violet (UV) radiation on DNA can cause defects which can to lead to melanoma and cell death. The most dominant form of damage at energies above 6 eV is strand breakage. DNA double strand breaks mean certain cell death. Single strand breakage, however, can be repaired by enzymes. Both types are important not only for future protection of the DNA, but also for treatments like tumor radiation therapy. The influence of the DNA sequence on the UV cross section and strand breakage count, as well as the ionization potential is studied in this project.

The experimental part is done by the work group of Prof. Dr. Ilko Bald.

Funding: DFG Project KO4876/4-1

Project Members:Lukas Gallandi