Chemical and biological consequences of?-decay

Abstract

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.