Photochemistry And Photobiology Of Nucleic Acids

Photochemistry and Photobiology of Nucleic Acids, Volume I: Chemistry covers the historical developments in the study of photobiology and photochemistry of nucleic acid components. This volume is divided into 12 chapters that deal with the isolation and characterization of ultraviolet photoproducts of pyrimidines. After briefly covering the concepts of photochemistry of nucleic acids, this volume goes on describing the UV-induced physical and chemical alterations in nucleic acid components, such as pyrimidines, purines, their nucleosides and nucleotides, and related compounds. Significant chapters are devoted to mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and crystal and molecular structure determinations by X-ray diffraction. Together with the pertinent examples, a short discussion on the theory and techniques is also presented in each chapter. This volume also includes a chapter on radiation chemistry to examine the close relationship between the chemical effects of UV-light and X- or gamma-radiation. This volume is of value to researchers who are active in the study of photochemistry and photobiology in nucleic acids as well as to advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in this field.

Photochemistry of Proteins and Nucleic Acids focuses on the effects of ultraviolet and visible radiations on proteins and nucleic acids. The book first discusses some principles of photochemistry, including the laws of photochemistry and factors influencing photochemical reactions in solutions. The text describes absorption and luminescence spectra of nucleoproteins and their components, including principal absorbing groups in proteins, nucleic acids, and nucleoproteins. The selection also highlights the action of ultraviolet light on proteins; photochemical and photosensitized inactivation of enzymes; and the photochemistry of purine and pyrimidine derivatives. The text also discusses nucleic acids and oligo- and polynucleotides. Topics include photochemical degradation of nucleic acid; kinetics of biological inactivation of nucleic acids; nucleoproteins; and reversibility of nucleic acid photolysis. The book also encompasses the inactivation of viruses, including inactivation studies with a plant virus, bacteriophages, and photochemically produced vaccines. The text also presents some problems in photobiology and some techniques in photochemistry. The text is a good source of information for readers interested in the study of proteins and nucleic acids. Based on the standards and codes from Fo

The goals of the science of photobiology can be divided into four categories: to develop (I) ways to optimize the beneficial effects of light on man and his environment, (2) methods to protect organisms, including man, from the detrimental effects of light, (3) photochemical tools for use in studies of life processes, and (4) photochemical therapies in medicine. To achieve these goals will require the knowledgeable collaboration of biologists, chemists, engineers, mathematicians, physicians, and physicists; because photobiology is a truly multidisciplinary science. While a multidis ciplinary science is more intellectually demanding, it also has a greater potential for unexpected breakthroughs that can occur when data from several areas of science are integrated into new concepts for theoretical or practical use. Photochemical and Photobiological Reviews continues to provide in depth coverage of the many specialty areas of photobiology. It is hoped that these reviews will provide an important service to the younger scientists in the field and to senior scientists in related fields, because they provide a ready access to the recent literature in the field, and more importantly, they frequently offer a critical evaluation of the direction that the field is taking, or suggest a redirection when appropriate. Since it is important that this review series remain responsive to the needs of photochemists and photobiologists, the Editor would value com ments and suggestions from its readers.

The goals of the science of photobiology can be divided into four categories: to develop (I) ways to optimize the beneficial effects of light on man and his environment, (2) methods to protect organisms, including man, from the detrimental effects of light, (3) photochemical tools for use in studies of life processes, and (4) photochemical therapies in medicine. To achieve these goals will require the knowledgeable collaboration of biologists, chemists, engineers, mathematicians, physicians, and physicists; because photobiology is a truly multidisciplinary science. While a multi disciplinary science is more intellectually demanding, it also has a greater potential for unexpected breakthroughs that can occur when data from several areas of science are integrated into new concepts for theoretical or practical use. Photochemical and Photobiological Reviews continues to provide in depth coverage of the many specialty areas of photobiology. It is hoped that these reviews will provide an important service to the younger scientists in the field and to senior scientists in related fields, because they provide a ready access to the recent literature in the field, and more importantly, they frequently offer a critical evaluation of the direction that the field is taking, or suggest a redirection when appropriate. Kendric C. Smith Editor vii Contents v Contents of Earlier Volumes ...................................... . Preface ............................................... . vii Chapter 1. The Activation of Enzymes with Light ................... .

Photochemistry of Proteins and Nucleic Acids deals with photobiology.

This review of the ways in which ultraviolet and visible light affect the nucleic acids includes changes caused by excitation of the nucleic acids themselves, as well as reactions caused by photoexcitation of other reagents in the presence of nucleic acids.