Probability of double-strand breaks in genome-sized DNA by γ-ray decreases markedly as the DNA concentration increases

J Chem Phys. 2013 May 7;138(17):174907. doi: 10.1063/1.4802993.

Abstract

By use of the single-molecule observation, we count the number of DNA double-strand breaks caused by γ-ray irradiation with genome-sized DNA molecules (166 kbp). We find that P1, the number of double-strand breaks (DSBs) per base pair per unit Gy, is nearly inversely proportional to the DNA concentration above a certain threshold DNA concentration. The inverse relationship implies that the total number of DSBs remains essentially constant. We give a theoretical interpretation of our experimental results in terms of attack of reactive species upon DNA molecules, indicating the significance of the characteristics of genome-sized giant DNA as semiflexible polymers for the efficiency of DSBs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophage T4 / genetics
  • Bacteriophage T4 / radiation effects
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded / radiation effects*
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / radiation effects
  • Gamma Rays
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Probability

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • DNA, Viral
  • DNA