Effects of high-voltage cathode rays on aqueous solutions of tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine and cystine

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Abstract
Aqueous solns. of L-cystine, DL-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and DL-tryptophan in various concns. were irradiated with high voltage cathode rays at doses ranging from 105 to 106 r.e.p. Determinations of the amino acid contents of the solns. were made microbiologically after irradiations. All 4 amino acids were decomposed upon irradiation, and the decomposition was related exponentially to the dose. Ionic yields were determined for the 4 amino acids over a wide range of concns. Data are presented to show that the action of high-voltage cathode rays on these amino acids took place through free radicals being intermediates. Evolution of H2S from the cystine soln. indicated that cystine was probably decomposed at the disulfide linkage upon irradiation with high-voltage cathode rays.