Some postirradiation phenomena that affect the induction of chromosome aberrations

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Journal of Cellular and Comparative Physiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.1030580415· OSTI ID:4802843

Wolff, Sheldon

Results are reviewed from studies on the induction of chromosome aberrations and restitutional repair in Tradescantia following exposure to x radiation and neutrons. Results of both biological and biochemical experiments indicate that the production of chromosomal aberrations ts not necessarily fixed at the moment of irradiation, but that a repair mechanism operates in the postirradiation period. This repair mechanism is dependent upon cellular metabolism, energy production, and probably protein synthesis. Biophysical calculations in regard to the distribution of aberrations per cell and the number of primary breaks per cell led to the conclusion that it is a very efficient process with more than 99 percent of the primary breaks being repaired. This repair process is manifested as chromosome-break rejoining occurs throughout the cell cycle. Stage sensitivity of chromosomes can be accounted for in terms of this repair mechanism and the different spatial relations of the chromosomes and chromatids during the various stages of cell division.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-16-007450
• OSTI ID: 4802843
• Journal Information: Journal of Cellular and Comparative Physiology, Journal Name: Journal of Cellular and Comparative Physiology Journal Issue: S1 Vol. 58; ISSN 0095-9898
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY
CHROMOSOMES
ENERGY LEVELS
METABOLISM
MITOSIS
NEUTRONS
PLANT CELLS
PROTEINS
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIOSENSITIVITY
X RADIATION