Theoretical Aspects of the Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Bacterial Cell

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Abstract
A series of equations for cellular synthesis based on the steady formation of DNA, followed by successive formation of RNA, "ribosomes," protein and lipid are developed. Using the observation that radiation inhibits the formation of ribosomes, the simplified equations are solved. The linear uptake of SO4 and PO4 is explained and a suggestion for the formation of long filaments, or giant cells is made. The equations contain the possibility that a delayed budding-off of a new cell can occur. The hypothesis is presented that the disruption of a part of the nucleus, namely the organized set of enzymes which "make" RNA, is responsible for the action. Consideration is given to enzyme formation, which can conceivably increase, and, in particular, it is predicted that RNA-ase should increase after irradiation. The uptake of amino acids, the process of respiration and of adaptive enzyme formation are discussed.