Could there be a connection between UV dimer repair and
photosynthesis? Could one lead to the other or something
that came before lead to both?

"A widely distributed enzyme, called photoreactivating
enzyme, or DNA photolyase, repairs cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers
in the presence of visible light. A wavelength of 370 nm is most
effective. The enzyme binds to DNA in a light independent process,
specifically at the site of pyrimidine dimers. In the presence of
visible wavelength ight, the bonds linking the pyrimidine
rings are broken, after which the enzyme can dissociate
 in the dark...
Mechanistic studies suggest a process akin to photosynthesis,
with the second chromophore functioning as a light harvesting 
factor, and FADH2 functioning like the photochemical reaction
center translating light energy to facilitate the transfer 
of an electron to the dimer and breaking the pyrimidine
pyrimidine bonds by a free radical mechanism..."
Biochem - Mathews , van Holde.

IF and that's a big if, these two are related, then
either dimer repair led to photosynthesis or
photosynthesis led to dimer repair or
something before both led to both.

Comment?
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 * RgateImp.MoonDog.BBS at 8/4/04 12:34:44 PM