Action of Beta Radiation on the Proteus P18 Bacillus

Abstract

WE have grown the Proteus P18 bacillus at 37° C. in an ordinary medium containing 20 per cent horse serum and varying amounts of radioactive phosphorus. With a dose of 4 µc. of phosphorus-32 per 100 ml. of medium the multiplication and microscopic appearance of the bacilli are scarcely altered. When the concentration of phosphorus-32 is raised to 8 µc. per 100 ml., growth is slowed down and a series of important morphological transformations can be observed.