Physical determinants of radiation sensitivity in bacterial spores.
Several factors modifying radiation sensitivity in dry bacterial spores are described and discussed. Vacuum inducing the loss of critical structural water, very low dose rates of radiation from which the cell may recover, radiations of high linear energy transfer, and the action of temperature over long periods of time on previously irradiated cells are recognized from extensive laboratory work as important in determining survival of spores exposed to low radiation doses at low temperatures for long periods of time. Some extensions of laboratory work are proposed.
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Department of Zoology, University of Texas, Austin 78712, USA.
D001410:Bacillus megaterium / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D005609:Free Radicals; D018499:Linear Energy Transfer; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010100:Oxygen; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000528:radiation effects; D013696:Temperature; D014618:Vacuum; D014867:Water
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D005609:Free Radicals; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D014867:Water; D010100:Oxygen