Double-strand breaks on a genomic DNA caused by ultrasound: Evaluation by single DNA observation

Double-strand brakes of T4-DNA molecules caused by ultrasound irradiation are monitored through the methodology of single giant DNA observation by fluorescence microscopy. The experimental results indicate the existence of the threshold power of ultrasound on the double-strand brakes. In addition, we have examined the effect of an anti-oxidative agent, 2-mercaptoethanol (2-Me), on the ultrasound damage of DNA. It becomes clear that 2-Me exhibits almost no protective effect.