Induction of strand breaks in polyribonucleotides and DNA by the sulphate radical anion: role of electron loss centres as precursors of strand breakage

The interaction of the sulphate radical anion, SO4.-, with the polyribonucleotides, poly U and poly C, in deaerated, aqueous solutions at pH 7.5 results in strand breakage (sb) with efficiencies of 57 and 23%, respectively, determined by time resolved laser light scattering (TRLS). Most sb are produced within 70 μs, the risetime of the detection system. Oxygen inhibits the induction of sb in poly U and poly C by SO4.-through its interaction with a radical precursor to sb. In contrast, the interaction of SO4.- with poly A and single stranded DNA does not lead to significant strand breakage (≤ 5% efficiency). From optical studies, the interaction of poly A and poly G with SO4.- radicals yields predominantly the corresponding one electron oxidized base radicals. (author)