Recently, scientists have discovered a new mechanism for the decay of photoexcited nucleobases - the building blocks of genes. By studying the behavior of nucleobases in the presence of light, the researchers were able to uncover the mechanism behind their decay. This discovery could have important implications for understanding how genes are regulated and how genetic information is passed down from generation to generation.

The researchers found that when nucleobases are exposed to light, they become “photoexcited”, meaning they gain energy. This energy is then transferred to nearby molecules, leading to the nucleobases’ decay. The process is known as non-radiative decay, and it’s the first time it has been observed in nucleobases.

The findings could help scientists better understand the role of light in gene regulation and transmission. Additionally, the discovery could lead to new ways to control the activity of genes, potentially providing new treatments for diseases such as cancer. The researchers hope to further study the mechanism behind the decay of nucleobases to better understand its implications.

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source: Phys.org