Induction of deoxyribonucleic acid degradation in Escherichia coli by ozone

Cell survival and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) degradation wave measured for wild-type Escherichia coli B251 cells after exposure to different concentrations of ozone. The results show that extensive breakdown of DNA occurs after ozonation and that the extent of ozone-induced DNA degradation generally correlates with the colony-forming ability of the cells.