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MECHANISM OF RADIATION EFFECT ON THE PROCESS OF SYNTHESIS OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID

Journal Article · · Nature
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/1821788a0· OSTI ID:4277120
Data are presented from an investigation of radiation effects on the period of synthesis of desoxyribonucleic acid (S period). Human bone-marrow cell suspensions obtained by sternal puncture were used. For irradiation of the cultures, 300-kv radiation with a dose-rate to the cells of 480 rad/min was employed. Sodium formate labeled with carbon-14 was added to the medium as desoxyribonucleic acid label. The relative biological efficiency of alpha particles compared with x radiation was measured by dissolving radon gas in the medium in which the cells were suspended. For such irradiations, small culture bottles were used for cutting down the air space above the fluid. Within 30 min 500 to 5,000 rad could be delivered by the alpha particles to the cells; the radon gas was then removed by aeration, and the cell suspensions were transferred to the regular culture bottles for incubation with formate labeled with carbon14. Synthesis of desoxyribonucleic acid was measured by the average grain count per labeled cell, or by the total radioactivity in 12 x 10/sup 6/ cells. The time relationship of depression of synthesis of desoxyribonucleic acid produced by a dose of 2,000 rad x rays is shown in graphic form. Also, a dose-response curve for x rays on synthesis of desoxyribonucleic acid during a 4-hr incubation period is included. (J.H.M.)
Research Organization:
Univ. of Oxford
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-13-007430
OSTI ID:
4277120
Journal Information:
Nature, Journal Name: Nature Vol. Vol: 182
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English