Honors Theses

Photophysical and Photochemical Studies of RNA as a Model for UV-Induced Damage in Nucleic Acids

Advisor

Angela Mammana, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Chemistry

Publication Date

4-2026

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a well-known agent of nucleic acid damage, leading to structural and chemical modifications that affect biological function. These alterations play a crucial role in various fields, including molecular biology, medicine, and disinfection technologies. While extensive research has been conducted on UV-induced DNA damage, particularly using spectroscopic techniques such as fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fewer studies have explored how RNA responds to UV exposure. Given that RNA serves as the genetic material for many viruses, understanding its photophysical and photochemical behavior under UV irradiation is essential for advancing disinfection strategies, particularly in healthcare and environmental settings. This project aimed to investigate UV-induced damage in RNA systems. Using circular dichroism (CD) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, we analyzed structural and electronic changes in RNA following UV exposure, comparing these effects to those observed in DNA. The results demonstrate that RNA undergoes progressive structural disruption upon UV irradiation, with distinct differences observed between irradiation sources and environmental conditions, demonstrating the utility of spectroscopic techniques for monitoring UV-induced nucleic acid damage.

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