Please do not bookmark specific publications. The URL for each item changes each quarter as our Research Products database is refreshed. If you have a question regarding this publication, use the "Contact Us" feature above and include the product citation in your message.
Research Product
|
Jeffrey, Wade H., Ralph J. Pledger, Peter Aas, Silvia Hager, Richard B. Coffin, Robin Von Haven and David L. Mitchell. 1996. Diel and Depth Profiles of DNA Photodamage in Bacterioplankton Exposed to Ambient Solar Ultraviolet Radiation. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 137(1-3):283-291. (ERL,GB 912).
Bacteria play a central role in the cycling of nutrients and energy flow to
higher trophic levels, yet the effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation upon
bacterioplankton have been largely overlooked. Using a highly specific
radioimmunoassay, measurements of solar-induced DNA photodamage (cyclobutane
pyrimidine dimers) were taken in planktonic samples collected from the northern
Gulf of Mexico. Diel patterns of dimer accumulation and repair were observed in
both the bacterioplankton size fraction (0.8 mm <120 mm), although damage induction
was approximately twice as much in the bacterioplankton fraction. Depth
profiles of DNA damage in the bacterioplankton size fraction during calm and
moderate seas demonstrated the influence of mixing on the distribution of UV
radiation effects. During calm seas, damage was greatest in surface waters,
decreased with depth, and could be detected to 10 m. In moderate seas, however,
no net accumulation of damage was observed, even at the surface. The results
demonstrate that bacteria are more susceptible to UV-B damage and may serve as
a more sensitive indicator of UV stress than other microorganisms. Wave action
and mixing strongly influence the effects of UV-B surface waters, demonstrating
that UV-B effects may not always be predictable from measures of UV radiation
attenuation.
|
[ ORD Home | NHEERL
Home ]