Observations on Effects of X-Irradiation on Achromobacter fischerii.

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Abstract
Cells of the luminescent bacterium, A. fischerii were suspended in a non-nutrient phosphate buffer and exposed to dosages of X-rays ranging from 500 to 10,000 r. Exposed cells were examined for effects of X-rays on luminescence and survival (as detd. by plate counting). Bacterial luminescence persisting 2 hrs. after X-irradiation with 5000 r is equivalent to a survival of approx. 56% of the control, whereas luminescence of cells exposed to 10,000 r is equivalent to a 17% survival. Measurements of the reproductive ability of the suspensions indicated only 1.24 and 0.115% survivals, respectively. It is concluded that the reproductive processes of A. fischerii are more sensitive to X-rays at all measured dosage levels than is the luminescent system of the organism. The findings indicate that cells sterilized by X-rays are capable of metabolic activity for a measurable length of time.

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