Which of the Following Agents Causes DNA Damage by Forming

Question

Which of the following agents causes DNA damage by forming pyrimidine dimers?
A)X-rays
B)gamma radiation
C)UV radiation
D)alkylating agents
E)ethidium bromide

Accepted Answer

UV radiation causes DNA damage by forming pyrimidine dimers through the crosslinking of adjacent pyrimidine bases, such as thymine. X-rays and gamma radiation cause DNA damage through ionization of water molecules, which generates free radicals that can damage DNA. Alkylating agents primarily cause DNA damage through the addition of alkyl groups to DNA bases. Ethidium bromide intercalates into DNA, but does not cause pyrimidine dimers.