Protective Qualities of UV-resistant Bacteria
Date
2016
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Publisher
College of Natural and Health Sciences, The University of Tampa
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation causes detrimental effects on the cell by
mutating its DNA. Micrococcus luteus and Micrococcus radiophilus
are two bacterial species known to be able to withstand high levels
of UV radiation. However, it is unknown if they have any protective
effects on other cells, like Escherichia coli. Using UVB radiation from
a light box, minimum lethal doses (MLD) were determined for M.
luteus, M. radiophilus, and E. coli. The MLDs of the Micrococcus
species were substantially higher than the MLD of E. coli. E. coli was
mixed with the Micrococcus species and exposed to UV radiation to
test for protective effects. It was found that E. coli was able to grow
past its MLD in a few cases with both M. luteus, and M. radiophilus.
However, it was noted that exact timing was difficult to obtain with
our methods. It was found that the E. coli colonies that did grow
in higher UV exposure were usually surrounded by a Micrococcus
species, potentially showing protection. Exploring microbes for their
UV protective qualities may provide an alternative for chemical
containing sunscreens, offering a potentially safer product for both
people and the environment.
Description
Recommended Citation: Goldberg, Sloan . “Protective Qualities of UV-Resistant Bacteria.” Acta Spartae, 2016. https://doi.org/10.48497/HNDN-2Q62.
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Keywords
UV-resistant Bacteria, Ultraviolet radiation, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus radiophilus, Department of Biology, Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES, Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Biology
Citation
Goldberg, Sloan . “Protective Qualities of UV-Resistant Bacteria.” Acta Spartae, 2016. https://doi.org/10.48497/HNDN-2Q62.