The Approach of the Physicist to Radiation Biology

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Abstract
The physicist imagines hypothetical models to explain aspects of the system he is studying. The model is then modified to include a greater range of behavior. Lea''s approach to problems of radiation biology is an example of this method. He extended the simple target theory to include effects arising in the surrounding solvent. The reduction of the 37% inactivation dose for rabbit papilloma virus with dilution in water forms a good illustration. It is suggested that chromosome breakage can occur either by a direct hit or by diffusion from a track passing through the adjacent protoplasm. A greater linear ion density or greater concentration of dissolved O2 causes production of more of this diffusing chemical, so that the track can be effective when it passes a chromosome more remotely. Possible influences of Brownian movement and viscosity of the nuclear sap are discussed. Evidence is summarized which suggests that chromosome damage is of major importance in producing cell death.