Year: 1934
Type: article
Abstract: 1. When ascospores of Neurospora tetrasperma were irradiated with 11 kv. X-rays, the single spore cultures obtained displayed a wide variety of mutated forms. 2. Control germinations of ascospores showed uniform behavior, ranging from 92-95 per cent germination. 3. The shape of the survival curves was found to be a function of the criterion of death. The following criteria were used: germination, growth, production of mature ascospores, and the production of normal perithecia. 4. The germination survival curve exhibited a rhythmic variation with dosage. Germination is not a significant criterion of death. 5. Half-survival dosages for growth and ascospore production were approximately 30,000 and 20,000 roentgens, respectively. 6. Multiple hit-to-kill relations were found on the basis of the quantum hit theory; no accurate analysis was possible. 7. The studies indicate that ascospore death does not result from a single well defined reaction, but rather from the integrated effects of several deleterious processes initiated by the radiation.
DOI: 10.1085/jgp.17.4.577
Authors: Fred M. Uber, David R. Goddard
Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2020449563