Photosensitised conversion of cytosine into uracil derivatives in the presence of mercaptans
Abstract
Acetone sensitized photochemical reaction between cytosine and cysteine in water yields 5,6-dihydro-uracil (72%), 5-S-cysteinyl-5,6-dihydrouracil (24%), and uracil (2.2%), suggesting that radiation may cause not only crosslinking of proteins to nucleic acids but also base modifications.