DNA damage induced by ultraviolet radiation in coral-reef microbial communities

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been implicated in coral-bleaching processes and UVR may create stress to marine organisms by damage to DNA. Absorption of energy from UVB (280 to 320 nm) induces direct damage to DNA via cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photoproduct-formation. We examined the extent of DNA damage created by UVR in coral reef microbial communities and whether the coral-surface microlayer (CSM) provides protection from UVR to the microorganisms found there.