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Calculation of initial yields of single- and double-strand breaks in cell nuclei from electrons, protons and alpha particles.

Int J Radiat Biol. 1989 Jul;56(1):1-19

Authors: Charlton DE, Nikjoo H, Humm JL

Abstract

A model of the DNA and electron and ion track structure computer codes are used to model damage in the DNA by direct action. This damage is converted into single-strand breaks using the method described by Charlton and Humm (1988) in which a minimum energy deposited in a critical volume of the DNA is correlated with the production of single-strand breaks. It is then assumed that if these single-strand breaks lie on opposite strands and are separated by less than a few base pairs they produce double-strand breaks. Absolute yields of both single- and double-strand breaks expressed in breaks/Gy-dalton are calculated and compared to measured yields. Good agreement is obtained for single-strand breaks while the calculated yields for double-strand breaks are greater than those measured.

PMID: 2569005 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]