How Gamma Radiation Affects Melanin in Fungi
Author Information
Author(s): Khajo Abdelahad, Bryan Ruth A., Friedman Matthew, Burger Richard M., Levitsky Yan, Casadevall Arturo, Magliozzo Richard S., Dadachova Ekaterina
Primary Institution: Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
Hypothesis
How does gamma radiation affect the properties of melanin in Cryptococcus neoformans?
Conclusion
Gamma radiation can cause some damage to melanin in Cryptococcus neoformans, but it still plays a protective role.
Supporting Evidence
- Melanized C. neoformans cells showed a 30% increase in melanin radical signal intensity after gamma-irradiation.
- Soluble products with absorbance maxima near 263 nm were detected after gamma-irradiation.
- Gamma-irradiation caused partial melanin damage, producing TBA-reactive substances.
- Melanized cells had a greater metal binding capacity compared to non-melanized cells.
Takeaway
This study looked at how radiation affects a special pigment in certain fungi that helps them survive in harsh environments. Even though the radiation can harm the pigment, it still helps protect the fungi.
Methodology
The study used EPR spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and gamma-irradiation to investigate the effects of radiation on melanin in Cryptococcus neoformans.
Limitations
Reproducibility in the gamma-irradiation protocols was inadequate for rigorous calculation of yields of UV-absorbing species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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