THE PROTECTION OF BACTERIA BY PYRUVATE AGAINST RADIATION EFFECTS

Abstract

The presence of pyruvate in a bacterial suspension protects the cells against the lethal and the mutagenic action of u.-v. and X-rays and against the lethal action of H2O2. Upon prolonged exposure to u.-v., pyruvate solns. become toxic and mutagenic. The addition of the pyruvate after exposure of the cells or its presence in the plating medium does not modify the biological response to the radiations. In organisms lacking in synthetic ability a rich recovery medium may give higher counts of cells injured by u.-v.