Variation of the x-ray sensitivity of Serratia marcescens with relative humidity.

Abstract

IN a recent article1 describing the effects of humidity on the inactivation of micro-organisms, the results of some preliminary experiments with X-rays were presented. The present communication reports an extension of this work in which the effect of atmospheric oxygen in modifying the radiation sensitivity at various humidities was investigated in addition to the protective effect of inositol. Inositol was of particular interest because of its apparent ability to replace water in biologically important macro-molecules2 and in this way to protect cells against inactivation by drying, ultra-violet and X-rays1,3.