Reproduction in Paramecium as Affected by Small Doses of X-Ray and Beta Radiation

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Abstract
Isolation cultures of Paramecium caudatum grown in depression slides which were radioactive produced significantly more cells than similar cultures grown in non-radioactive slides. Beta radiation, from S35, at a rate of 0.77 to 3.13 rep/hr. and X-rays (200 KV, .3 ma) at 4 and 8 r/hr. each produced significantly more cells than were found in appropriate controls. Beta radiation was given for a period of 6 days and the X-rays for 53 hrs. A single dose of X-rays (48 KV, 50 ma) equal to the total dose of beta radiation (450 r) did not produce an increase in growth and division. Removal of cells from the radiation field was followed by immediate return of cell division to the same rate as that of control cells. The expts. show that under certain ill-defined but reproducible conditions small doses of beta or X-rays delivered at low dose rates stimulate the reproduction of Paramecium.

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