Molecular alterations produced in bacterial cells by ionizing radiation

Abstract

Biochemical effects of high doses of 0.8 Mev electrons onEscherichia coli B were studied using infrared spectroscopy (IR). Aqueous suspensions of the bacterial cells were irradiated in open petri dishes. After exposure, films of these cells were examined for absorption of light between 4000 cm⁻¹ to 600 cm⁻¹. The qualitative aspects of the changes in the absorption spectra indicative of molecular alteration were noted and attempts were made to interpret them. The damage is selective in that some molecular groups are affected more than others. In general the changes indicate breakup of biopolymers and overall oxidation. All exposure doses given were above 1.0×10⁶ Roentgen.