Effect of Linear Energy Transfer on Radiation-Induced Chromosome Aberrations in Tradescantia Microspores

Abstract

Tradescantia microspores were examined for isochromatid and chromatid aberrations following exposure to high energy deuterons and alpha particles. Data are summarized and show that radiations are relatively more effective in producing chromosome aberrations the higher their specific ionization. A comparison between the effect of deuterons alpha particles and X-rays under comparable conditions of linear energy transfer indicate that radiobiological effectiveness is determined not by the type of ionizing particle but by the rate at which energy is dissipated along the path of the particle.