The Mechanism of Radiation-Induced Extrachromosomal Mutation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The mechanism by which ultraviolet light induces extrachromosomal mutations has been studied by using the character of respiratory sufficiency versus deficiency in an unstable strain of yeast. It has been possible to differentiate between cells on the basis of the relative numbers of "particles" which they contain. Data have indicated that: (1) The assortment of particles is not more erratic than usual in the first postirradiation cell division. (2) Ultraviolet light usually acts to decrease particle concentration in descendants of irradiated cells, but in some cells it acts to increase the concentration. (3) Particle concentration is less reduced in the descendants of the first bud of an irradiated cell than in the descendants of subsequent buds. Irradiation-induced extrachromosomal mutation is discussed in terms of an alteration of the cytoplasm which is prolonged through at least one cell generation and which is conducive to the temporary or permanent inability of the particles to reproduce.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: