The evaluation of x-ray-induced chromosome aberrations in cell-cultures of the chinese hamster

The sources of variation in the evaluation of x-ray-induced chromosome aberrations in cell cultures of Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) are discussed. The most important of these, in determining the nature and number of the lesions, seems to be the time of observation in relation to the growth of the cells. The number of visibly damaged mitoses in the first generation after irradiation in cells in metaphase and anaphase is consistent with the number of cells incapable of proliferation. From calculations of the number of chromosome aberrations occurring in these cells and their survival-curve, a working hypothesis is proposed which seems consistent with many features of cellular death due to radiation.