Somatic Aberration Induction inTradescantia Occidentalisby Neutrons, X- and Gamma-radiations

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Abstract
Biological results, including statistical features, are described for the irradiation of T. occidentalis with 250 kVp X-rays, 60Co .gamma.-radiation and monoenergetic neutrons with energies between 0.08 and 15 MeV. The effect studied was that of the induction of pink sectors in the otherwise blue staminal hairs of the flowers at low doses of radiation. Statistical aspects of the results suggest that a fraction of the asynchronous cell population in the hairs is very sensitive to neutron radiation, but not necessarily to lower LET [linear energy transfer] radiations. All the results were fitted by a least-squares method by polynomials of different degrees. Best fits to X- and .gamma.-ray data were provided by 2nd-degree polynomials, and to the neutron data by either 2nd- or 3rd-degree polynomials. Limiting r.b.e. [relative biological effectiveness] and o.e.r. [oxygen enhancement ratio] values at low doses are derived. Some computer microdosimetric parameters are presented in comparison with the r.b.e. values. It is concluded that the effect studied is complex and may not provide a critical test of bio-physical theories of radiation effects.