Evening star., 1949-08-31
Stars, Men ond Atoms "
Atomic Radiation Effects
On Heredity Under Study
Mice, Fish, Flies and Weeds Used in
Research Projects
Bv Thomas r. Henry


Mice. trout. molds. flies, corn and weeds
are being used In research projects scattered
over the country to determine the precise
effects Of atomic radiation on heredity.
One of the bugbears which arose from the
first atomic bomb explosions was that the
effects would be shown In abnormalities
among the descendants Of even mildly ex-
posed persons for many generations The
problem also arose concerning workers In
atomic plants, x-ray technicians, and others
exposed to radiation.
The effects undoubtedly are real. according
to the Atomic Energy Commissions semi
annual report to Congress- but very little
scientific evidence Is available. Obviously
human subjects cannot be used in expert
ments. But. 1t Is pointed out, the mechanics
Of heredty are about the same throughout
nature-in blade Of grass as In q mouse or
a man.
Submicroscopic Particles.
In each OF the countless billions Of cells
which constitute the body Of a human being
there are approximately 10000 submicro-
scopic particles known as genes. Each con-
trolls some phase of the body's development.
One, for example, might be the determiner
for blue eyes, another for red hair, another
for long fingers. particle of radiation strik-
ing any one of these genes would alter or
nullify its function 1t Is the same in any
other living organism.
Some of the most important work to date
has been done with bread molds at the
commissions Oak Ridge, Tenn, laboratory
and at the University of California. These.
says the report, are almost ideal organisms
with which to study just how the genes
exert their effects on heredity. Some Of
the results may have far-reaching practical
significance.
BY radiation several hundred variant
strains of abnormal molds have been pro-
duced. Each strain lacks specifically sim
gle ability to carry out certain chemical
reaction-such as synthesizing q necessary
vitamin, building UP a particular carbon
compound essential for its cells or produc-
ing one of 20 or more of the chemicals
known as amino acids which are the con-
stituent parts of proteins the building
stones Of the body. Some of these proc
esses are essentially identical with those
necessary in human growth.
Initiates Reactions.
A gene or combination of genes 1t Is con-
cluded, acts as the initiator of a chain of
reactions In many cases the first step Is
the producing OF certain engine, Of which
there probably are many thousands in a
human being. which is necessary to build
an amino acid. which in turn Is necessary
to build protein or a vitamin.
This seems the best key yet obtained to
an understanding Of what has up to now
been a complete mystery, the mechanics Of
heredity. Already, the report indicates.
practical applications are in sight.
This is especially true in the field Of corn
breeding. BY means Of radiation some Of 1t
on seeds exposed at the Bikini tests more
than 500 hereditary lines Of corn have been
produced. Each appears to have some pecu-
liarity-that is, to lack some particular
hereditary ability. For the most part this is q
disadvantage. There always is tho prospect,
however. Of knocking out genes responsible
for some trait Of corn which is disadvan-
tageous and repairing other defects by
hybrid breedfnR