Energy Transfer and Radioprotection in Biological Systems

Abstract

Radiation-induced radicals and their interactions in model systems, as revealed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, have been reviewed. The available data on irradiated molecular mixtures of macromolecules and sulfur-containing substances indicate that radiation energy becomes transferred to the sulfur compound. The intermolecular transfer reactions depend upon the temperature of the system as well as the contact between the components. The mechanism for this transfer of radiation energy probably involves the formation and subsequent reaction of small radical fragments, such as hydrogen atoms, electrons, and other small radical groups.