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THE EFFECT OF RADIATIONS FROM A MERCURY ARC IN QUARTZ ON ENZYMES : II. THE EFFECT OF ULTRA-VIOLET RADIATION ON
1Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
UV radiation inactivates amylase in solution, similar to pepsin. This radiochemical change follows a mono-molecular reaction course, primarily due to ultraviolet light exposure.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Amylase is a crucial enzyme in biological systems.
- Previous studies indicated that enzymes like pepsin are susceptible to radiation damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of mercury arc radiation on amylase activity in solution.
- To characterize the reaction kinetics of amylase inactivation by radiation.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme solutions were exposed to radiation from a mercury arc in quartz.
- The inactivation process was monitored over time to determine the reaction course.
Main Results:
- Amylase in solution was found to be inactivated by mercury arc radiation.
- The inactivation reaction demonstrated a mono-molecular kinetic behavior.
- Over 88% inactivation was observed, indicating significant sensitivity to the radiation.
Conclusions:
- Ultraviolet radiation from a mercury arc effectively inactivates amylase.
- The inactivation mechanism appears to be a mono-molecular radiochemical process.
- This finding suggests a direct role of ultraviolet light in enzyme photodegradation.
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