Mutagenesis in Escherichia coli by visible light

Science. 1967 May 26;156(3778):1104-5. doi: 10.1126/science.156.3778.1104.

Abstract

Mutation to resistance to bacteriophage T5 in continuous cultures of Escherichia coli was induced by visible light (wavelength longer than 408 nanometers) and by black light (300 to 400 nanometers). Mutation rates more than 18 times greater than the spontaneous rate (no light) were obtained with moderate, nonlethal intensities of visible light. Mutation rates for both visible and black light were proportional to irradiance.

MeSH terms

  • Coliphages
  • Escherichia coli / radiation effects*
  • Light*
  • Mutation*
  • Radiation Genetics*