Studies on the Radiation Inactivation of Microorganisms: VII. Nature of the X-Ray-Induced Breakdown of Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Haemophilus influenzae

Abstract

In H. influenzae a major consequence of X-irradiation is the subsequent break down of cell deoxyribonucleic acid, due to the activation of a deoxyribonuclease. Addition of cysteamine to the cells or removal of oxygen protects against killing and again induced DNA degradation. It is concluded that the DNA breakdown is a symptom of cellular disorganization rather than the cause of cell death.