The Influence of Gamma Radiation on Carbohydrate and Citric Acid Cycle Metabolism in Carrot Tissue

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Abstract
A study of the effect of 60CO gamma-radiation on the metabolism of glucose and various organic acids by carrot tissue was conducted. Radiation resulted in the increased absorption of glucose and pyruvate and the decreased absorption of acetate and succinate. Only a slight effect on glucose and pyruvate catabolism was found, but there was an increase in acetate and a decrease in succinate catabolism. Radiation produced a reduction in the anabolic utilization of all substrates. This included a reduced lipid synthesis from acetate and a net accumulation of this substrate within the tissues. The evidence points to the tricarboxylic acid cycle as being the source of radiation-accelerated CO2 evolution. It is postulated that a relatively radiation-resistant bypass system is present in carrots which is capable of circumventing the radiation-depressed succinate utilization. The high-level-radiation degradation products of glucose produced no toxic effects on glucose metabolism.