Chemical and biological consequences of beta-decay. Part 2. 1977

A Halpern, and G Stöcklin

In Part 1 of this article physical and chemical effects of beta-decay in labelled molecules were reviewed and their potential importance for breaking predetermined and specific bonds were pointed out. After incorporation of labelled biomolecules in living systems, such as viruses, phages or cells, the radioactive decay of the label alters the biological behaviour of the system, in the extreme case causing loss of the ability to reproduce, the extent of these consequences depending strongly on the type of radioisotope. Now Part 2 includes a brief discussion of biological effects associated with beta-decay emphasizing the relative importance of local transmutation and internal radiation effects from the decay of 3H, 14C, 32P, 33P, 35S and 125I. Attempt is also made, whenever possible at the present stage of understanding, to correlate biological effects with chemical processes on a molecular level.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007065 Idoxuridine An analog of DEOXYURIDINE that inhibits viral DNA synthesis. The drug is used as an antiviral agent. 5-Iodo-2'-deoxyuridine,IUdR,Iododeoxyuridine,5-Iododeoxyuridine,Allergan 211,Herplex Liquifilm,Idoxuridine, 123I-Labeled,Idoxuridine, 125I-Labeled,Idoxuridine, 131I-Labeled,Idoxuridine, 3H-Labeled,Idoxuridine, Radical Ion (+1),Idoxuridine, Radical Ion (1-),Kerecide,NSC-39661,Oftan-IDU,SK&F-14287,Stoxil,123I-Labeled Idoxuridine,125I-Labeled Idoxuridine,131I-Labeled Idoxuridine,3H-Labeled Idoxuridine,5 Iodo 2' deoxyuridine,5 Iododeoxyuridine,Idoxuridine, 123I Labeled,Idoxuridine, 125I Labeled,Idoxuridine, 131I Labeled,Idoxuridine, 3H Labeled,Liquifilm, Herplex,NSC 39661,NSC39661,Oftan IDU,OftanIDU
D007457 Iodine Radioisotopes Unstable isotopes of iodine that decay or disintegrate emitting radiation. I atoms with atomic weights 117-139, except I 127, are radioactive iodine isotopes. Radioisotopes, Iodine
D010761 Phosphorus Radioisotopes Unstable isotopes of phosphorus that decay or disintegrate emitting radiation. P atoms with atomic weights 28-34 except 31 are radioactive phosphorus isotopes. Radioisotopes, Phosphorus
D011839 Radiation, Ionizing ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION or particle radiation (high energy ELEMENTARY PARTICLES) capable of directly or indirectly producing IONS in its passage through matter. The wavelengths of ionizing electromagnetic radiation are equal to or smaller than those of short (far) ultraviolet radiation and include gamma and X-rays. Ionizing Radiation,Ionizing Radiations,Radiations, Ionizing
D002250 Carbon Radioisotopes Unstable isotopes of carbon that decay or disintegrate emitting radiation. C atoms with atomic weights 10, 11, and 14-16 are radioactive carbon isotopes. Radioisotopes, Carbon
D002286 Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor A transplantable, poorly differentiated malignant tumor which appeared originally as a spontaneous breast carcinoma in a mouse. It grows in both solid and ascitic forms. Ehrlich Ascites Tumor,Ascites Tumor, Ehrlich,Ehrlich Tumor Carcinoma,Tumor, Ehrlich Ascites
D002467 Cell Nucleus Within a eukaryotic cell, a membrane-limited body which contains chromosomes and one or more nucleoli (CELL NUCLEOLUS). The nuclear membrane consists of a double unit-type membrane which is perforated by a number of pores; the outermost membrane is continuous with the ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM. A cell may contain more than one nucleus. (From Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed) Cell Nuclei,Nuclei, Cell,Nucleus, Cell
D004247 DNA A deoxyribonucleotide polymer that is the primary genetic material of all cells. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms normally contain DNA in a double-stranded state, yet several important biological processes transiently involve single-stranded regions. DNA, which consists of a polysugar-phosphate backbone possessing projections of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (thymine and cytosine), forms a double helix that is held together by hydrogen bonds between these purines and pyrimidines (adenine to thymine and guanine to cytosine). DNA, Double-Stranded,Deoxyribonucleic Acid,ds-DNA,DNA, Double Stranded,Double-Stranded DNA,ds DNA
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013462 Sulfur Radioisotopes Unstable isotopes of sulfur that decay or disintegrate spontaneously emitting radiation. S 29-31, 35, 37, and 38 are radioactive sulfur isotopes. Radioisotopes, Sulfur

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