Summary Comments from a Physicist

Abstract

In considering the mechanisms of radiation damage to DNA and final cellular effect, it should be the primary task of the physicists to describe the initial physical insult to a sufficient degree of accuracy so that all relevant chemical and later processes can be followed through to their cellular consequences. Formally, the physicists’ task should then be done and the problem can be handed over to the chemists, biochemists and biologists. But, of course, the physicists need knowledge of these later effects so that they can provide, and refine, their description in the best ways.