THE PRIMARY MECHANISM OF THE GENETIC EFFECT OF RADIATION

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Radiobiologiya (U.S.S.R.) For English translation see Radiobiology (Engl. Transl.)

OSTI ID:4738559

Sidorov, B N

The specific chemical changes taking place in chromosomes under the direct and indirect effects of radiation are briefly reviewed. It has not been possible to separate the direct effects from the indirect effects of radiation. For example, it is not known how radiosensitivity and the formation of mutations are related to the nucleotide composition of DNA in chromosomes, or to the structure and composition of the protein component in chromosomes. The chemical changes occurring also depend on the composition of the surrounding medium, and on conditions during and after irradiation, as can be seen from the oxygen effect, and the effect of protective agents on dry polymers. The indirect effects are due to the formation of free radicals in the radiolysis of water, and many protective agents are useful in suppressing the deleterious effects caused by free radical formation. The idea of a primary break in the DNA chain has been a fruitful hypothesis in explaining many of the facts of genetic theory. However, this simple idea will have to undergo considerable modification in order to include facts on chemical exchange, especially on protein exchange, which are being uncovered. 28 references. (TTT).

• Research Organization: Inst. of Biological Physics, Moscow
• NSA Number: NSA-17-005875
• OSTI ID: 4738559
• Journal Information: Radiobiologiya (U.S.S.R.) For English translation see Radiobiology (Engl. Transl.), Journal Name: Radiobiologiya (U.S.S.R.) For English translation see Radiobiology (Engl. Transl.) Vol. Vol: 2; ISSN RADOA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: Russian

Related Subjects

BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CHROMOSOMES
FREE RADICALS
GENETICS
MUTATIONS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
OXYGEN
PROTEINS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOSENSITIVITY
WATER