Abstract
This paper proposes some results concerning the interaction of living matter of different organization levels (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) with the flux of thermal neutrons. The phenomenon of the virtual neutron trap was tested during the passage of thermalized neutrons from the Pu-Be couple through a flat layer of E. coli suspension. We have studied the metabolic characteristics of A. salina cysts before and after artificial neutron flux exposure. It has been demonstrated that the concentrations of some metals in samples of alive and dead cysts irradiated with an artificial flow of thermal neutrons are not equal. The content of Mn in alive A. salina samples has increased more than ten-fold after their interaction with neutron flux, while the amount of As decreased by a factor of two after exposure. Levels of other elements (Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb) did not show any significant difference. Trace element composition of cysts was assessed using the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomization and the Zeeman background correction.
Highlights
Neutrons do not carry any electric charge, what allows them to freely penetrate deep into the atoms and reach the nuclei
Irradiation of Artemia salina cysts with a e Scientific World Journal flow of thermal neutrons of different intensities (from 7 to 105 n/(s·m2)) causes change in the spin-spin relaxation time of protons (NMR-spin echo method), which indicates a change in the functional state of the cell [6]
Assuming that the increase in thermal neutron capture is due to the structural features of the interfacial layers, the effect of a weak thermal neutron flux on the metabolism of metals in living cells should be expected
Summary
Neutrons do not carry any electric charge, what allows them to freely penetrate deep into the atoms and reach the nuclei. E flux of thermal neutrons causes the dispersion of cellular associates of E. coli cells (strain DH5α), what indicates the stimulating (in physiological terms) effect [5]. Irradiation of Artemia salina cysts with a e Scientific World Journal flow of thermal neutrons of different intensities (from 7 to 105 n/(s·m2)) causes change in the spin-spin relaxation time of protons (NMR-spin echo method), which indicates a change in the functional state of the cell [6].
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