UV Water Filter Solar Power Energy Generation Guide
UV Water Filter Damages DNA In Bacteria And Viruses
By James J Dixon
It is true that the average consumer of ultraviolet
(UV) water filtration system technology very rarely
has the science background to fully understand how a
light source in a pipe can protect a water supply from
dangerous microorganisms.
This sometimes leads to frustration for the consumer,
and in many cases is further exacerbated by faulty information
provided by ill-informed salespeople. Many times the
outcome of this frustration is inaction of the consumer
looking to review their options, which is unfortunate,
because UV water filter systems can be an extremely
effective and relatively inexpensive way to purify drinking
water.
UV-C is a very damaging and very powerful form of ultraviolet
light; so much so that when a living cell is exposed
to it, the light penetrates through the cell and damages
the DNA of the organism.
The Double Helix Of DNA
DNA is responsible for orchestrating activities within
all living cells and all cells must have DNA that is
intact in order to function properly. DNA’s structure
is quite similar to a ladder that has been twisted from
both ends resulting in a spiral appearance and is sometimes
referred to as a double helix, since all DNA is composed
of two molecules. UV water filter systems use this to
their advantage.
The end result of cell reproduction is two identical
cells, each with a functional copy of DNA as well as
all of the other necessary structures for the cell to
function. This is true for human cells as well as for
plants, animals and the bacteria and viruses that can
sometimes be found in drinking water.
Special Protein Splits The DNA In Half
For DNA to replicate, a special protein travels its
length and splits it in half. Using the ladder analogy,
this protein then travels down the ladder and splits
each rung along the way. What results are two separate
molecules that each resembles a side of a ladder.
During normal DNA replication, the protein travels
down the ladder and as each rung is split, each side
is immediately rebuilt. What results are two identical
strands of DNA; one for each of the resulting cells.
Ultraviolet-C Damages The DNA
Ultraviolet-C light is able to penetrate through cells
and attack the DNA inside them. UV-C actually fuses
some of the rungs of the ladder together. After the
DNA of a cell has been exposed to enough ultraviolet-C
light and some of the DNA rungs have been fused, the
protein that is responsible for splitting the DNA cannot
do its job.
As it encounters a fused rung, it just stops completely,
and the replication stops along with it. This keeps
the cell from being able to reproduce. Therefore, a
viral or bacterial cell that can’t reproduce is also
not capable of causing an infection.
To say it another way, if a viral or bacterial cell
cannot reproduce, then it can’t make anyone sick.
Filtration Slows Down Water Flow
Manufacturers of UV water filter systems produce varying
sizes of filters to address different water conditions
and flow rates. A slower water flow rate means that
the water that is undergoing treatment stays in the
filtering system for a longer period of time.
For systems with higher flow rates, a longer UV lamp
is required to make sure that the dose of ultraviolet
light is adequate.
About the Author:
James J Dixon has written a number of articles on Water Filtration, Recycling, Renewable Resources including
Filtered Water,
Water Filter System,
Filtered Water,
Environmental Jobs,
Waste Water,
Disposal Of Plastics.
Look out for new articles as they become available on
this site.
Little Known Water Filtration Facts.....
Do you think it is more cost effective to buy bottled
water continuously or simply turn your faucet on and
drink the water that comes through your water filtration
system? If you guessed the filtration system you are
correct.
You can get a filtration system in pitcher form or
one that hooks directly to your faucet. It is easy to
install and you will have great tasting water that is
free from contaminants in no time at all. Plus you will
save money in the long run.
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