Photosensitise (Verb)
Meaning
Make (an organism or substance) sensitive to the influence of radiant energy and especially light.
Classification
Verbs of seeing, hearing, feeling.
Examples
- Porphyrins can accumulate in cells and photosensitise them, making them vulnerable to damage from UV light.
- When photodynamic therapy is administered, a light-sensitive compound is used to photosensitise cancer cells, which are then destroyed by the activation of the compound.
- Certain dyes and pigments are known to photosensitise the skin, making it more susceptible to sun damage and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- Researchers have been studying how certain compounds can photosensitise microorganisms, leading to the development of new antimicrobial treatments.
- The herbicide paraquat can accumulate in crops and photosensitise them, ultimately leading to cell death and reduced plant productivity.