Tests for a Role of H 2 O 2 in X-Ray Mutagenesis: I. Estimations of the Concentration of H 2 O 2 inside the Nucleus

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Abstract
Equations are derived which permit the estimation of the concentration of H2O2 in the micronuclei of Paramecium aurelia when known concentrations of H2O2 are added to the medium and when the cells are irradiated. Since exact solutions of the diffusion-reaction equations which apply to these situations are not possible with known mathematical techniques approximate solutions are presented. On the basis of observed cell dimensions and measured consumption rates for H2O2 by intact cells, the use of the approximate equation is validated. The determination of the necessary parameters from experimental data is discussed. In particular it is shown that the ratio of the micro-nuclear concentration to the concentration in the medium is essentially the same when the cells are placed in an H2O2-con-taining medium and when they are exposed to irradiation. Therefore, rather precise comparisons of the two situations can be obtained.

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