Abstract
NUCLEIC acids, because of the presence of purines and pyrimidines in the molecule, absorb ultra-violet light with a maximum absorption at 2600 A. Recently, Larionow and Brumberg1 suggested, on the basis of ultra-violet light photomicrographic studies, that desoxyribonucleic acid, as it exists in the nuclei of living cells, does not absorb ultra-violet light of wave-lengths near 2600 A. These investigators contended that absorption develops as a result of injury or death of the cell.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Larionow, L. T., and Brumberg, E. M., Nature, 158, 663 (1946).
Ely, J. O., and Ross, M. H., J. Franklin Inst., 246, 87 (1948).
Wyckoff, R. W. G., "Symposia on Quantitative Biology", 2, 39 (1934).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ELY, J., Ross, M. Absorption of Ultra-violet Light by Living Cells. Nature 163, 906 (1949). https://doi.org/10.1038/163906a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/163906a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.