Question

One would predict that bacteria that lack the enzyme photolyase would be more sensitive to what kind of

mutagen?
A) base analog
B) alkylating agents
C) intercalating agents
D) UV light
E) reactive oxygen species

Answer 1

Bacteria without photolyase are more sensitive to UV light, as they cannot repair UV-induced pyrimidine dimers, leading to increased susceptibility to damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bacteria that lack the enzyme photolyase would be more sensitive to UV light. Photolyase is directly involved in the repair process known as photoreactivation, which reverses UV damage by splitting covalently bonded pyrimidine dimers, such as thymine dimers, formed due to UV irradiation. Without photolyase, bacteria are unable to effectively repair these lesions caused by UV light, rendering them more susceptible to the harmful mutagenic effects of UV rays.