Determination of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer in the DNA from UV-B Irradiated Cucumber Leaves

Abstract

We have established a convenient method for the determination of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) in plants with an ELISA system. We obtained standard DNA containing CPD by irradiation of λ phage DNA with monochromatic UV light (260 nm). CPD increased linearly with increasing UV exposure until 6 J m^-2. Growth inhibition of the UV-irradiated cucumber primary leaves was observed at all UV-B exposure levels (1.5, 4 and 12 h d^-1). Visible injury to the leaves and concomitant CPD accumulations were observed when the plants were irradiated for 4 and 12 h d^-1. We can detect the biological effects of UV-B in plants by measuring the accumulation of CPD.