Radiations and Cell Division

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Abstract
The absorption of radiowaves by tissues and solns. of electrolytes results in the production of heat. Within viable limits, up to a given optimum., cell division is accelerated by such a rise in temp. Most workers claim this to be the only way in which radio-waves affect organisms; others claim some specific photochemical effect, but the evidence for this is inconclusive. By the absorption of infrared radiations by an organism the temp. rises and the rate of biological processes including cell division is increased. At a critical value, cell activities slow down and cease, due to a reversible denaturation of enzymes; beyond this value, coagulation and death ensue. The ionization of x-rays and [gamma]-rays, neutrons, and particulate radioactive emanations lowers the rate of cell division mainly by increasing the interval between divisions. A new center of attention as regards cell injury is interference with enzymatic reactions concerned in the development of thymonucleic acid from ribose nucleotides. This involves reduction of ribose. Two theories of the mechanism of action of ionizing radiations have arisen[long dash]that of direct (target theory) and that of indirect effect by ionization of water.

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