An Introduction to Radiation Induced Degradation of Biological Molecules in Aqueous Solutions.

Abstract

Radiation chemistry of aqueous systems is the chemistry of H^·, OH, e_aq^– and H₃O⁺ and H₂O*. formed when a solute in aqueous solutions is exposed to ionising radiation. The pulse radiolysis technique has helped in the production. the detection and understanding of the reactions of primary species with solutes. A great deal of data on radiation biochemical studies e.g. degradation of DNA, its constituents and their protection, radiation protection and sensitisation, generåtion of superoxide ion and their reactions has already been reported but a great deal still needs to be done for the understanding of radiation biology.