Damage to deoxyribonucleic acid from ionizing radiation. (South Carolina Junior Academy Of Sciences Abstracts).This work studies the mechanism by which radiation causes biological damage. In general radiation is able to cause damage through the direct effect of radiation or through the indirect effect of free radicals. Either method causes breaks in the phosphate-sugar backbone of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. ) molecule. The molecule may then break into smaller pieces or recombine re·com·bine v. To undergo or cause genetic recombination; form new combinations. into different configurations. In a living cell this type of damage would normally lead to cell death. This research involved irradiating extra-cellular DNA plasmid plasmid Genetic element not contained within a chromosome. It occurs in many bacterial strains. Plasmids are circular DNA molecules that replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome. They are not essential for the bacterium but may give it a selective advantage. in solution. The plasmids pBR322, pGREEN, pVIB, and pUC 18 were irradiated at doses ranging from 0.05 Gy to 10 Gy. The damage done was then assessed using acrylamide acrylamide /acryl·a·mide/ (ah-kril´ah-mid) a vinyl monomer used in the production of polymers with many industrial and research uses; the monomeric form is a neurotoxin. gel electrophoresis gel electrophoresis n. Electrophoresis performed in a gel composed of agarose, polyacrylamide, or starch. . The irradiated DNA was compared to intact DNA to gain an understanding of radiation and how it affects DNA. This work may lead to an improved understanding of how radiation affects the body at the lowest level and therefore improved method of radiation therapy. Will Quick South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics |
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