Ionizing Radiation: Effect of Irradiated Medium on Synthetic Processes

Abstract
The incorporation of uracil-C14 into macromolecules in Escherichia coli cells is decreased by doses of ionizing radiation when the cells are in very dilute suspension. The decrease results from an action of irradiated medium on the cells, and a similar reaction is observed during the incorporation of thymine (indication of DNA synthesis) and of proline and valine (indicative of protein synthesis). Irradiated medium reduces the formation of β-galactosidase but does not cause the degradation of DNA.