Raman spectroscopic study of the influence on herring sperm DNA of heat treatment and ultraviolet radiation

The Raman spectra of herring sperm DNA in native fibres and after heat treatments to 40, 91, and 200 degrees C were presented. The Raman spectral bands indicated that the damage of the heating on the DNA conformation is limited below the melting point. The damage of the DNA molecular structure increased with a rise in temperature above the melting point. The damage was first observed in adenine and deoxyribose. The Raman spectra of DNA in aqueous solution and after ultraviolet radiation were reported. The experimental results proved that the ultraviolet radiation had a serious influence on the DNA molecular conformation and damaged the hydrogen bonds and groups among the purine and pyrimidine bases. The denaturation was irreversible. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.