The HaloEd ProjectA web site dedicated to biotechnology education |
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Radiation Resistance · Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can damage DNA by causing Thymine-Thymine dimers to be formed, resulting in mutations. · Recent studies have shown that Halobacteria are able to withstand high dosages of UV (see McReady et al.) · Halobacteria have adapted to the harsh environment they live in by having a very active DNA repair systems, especially one called Photoreactivation. · They possess Photolyase, an enzyme, which reverses Thymine-Thymine dimers using visible light, repairing the DNA damage. · They also contain large quantities of red Carotenoids, which have been shown to be photoprotective. · In an experiment, a type of a Halobacteria was taken out into space and survived the trip. |
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