Why is Serratia marcescens more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation than Bacillus cereus?

Answer 1

UV radiation exposure to S. marcescens colonies results in DNA mutations. The radiation energy is absorbed by the bacteria and if exposure is long enough, thymine nitrogenous bases adjacent to each other in DNA strands will form cyclobutane rings called thymine dimers. When replicating DNA and multiplying, the enzymes responsible for replication will bond a different base in place of the thymine bases and a mutation will result. How if affects the DNA, and consequently protein synthesis, is entirely dependent on the location of mutations.

Answer 2

Serratia marcescens is more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation than Bacillus cereus because it lacks protective spores like Bacillus cereus, which can shield it from UV damage. Additionally, Serratia marcescens is more likely to have a thinner cell wall, making it more susceptible to UV-induced cell damage.

Answer 3

Because Bacillus cereus has the ability to form spores in adverse conditions.