The influence of amino acids on DNA damage induced by cold plasma radiation

Highly purified plasmid DNA both with and without amino acids (glycine and arginine) was irradiated using a cold plasma under ambient conditions. Damage to the plasmid DNA in the form of single- and double-strand breaks was determined by gel electrophoresis. Depending on either the molar ratio of the amino acid:nucleotide mixture or the type of amino acid used, some measure of protection of the DNA can be achieved.