WAVELENGTH DEPENDENCE OF MUTATION PRODUCTION IN THE ULTRAVIOLET WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON FUNGI

Abstract

The study of the biological effects of ultraviolet radiation on microorganisms has concerned itself for many years mostly with toxic effects. Such a method of attack was indicated by the theory that radiation produces its action by a simple physical mechanism and that this mechanism was responsible for the killing. It was thought to be an all-or-none effect. No sublethal effects were either looked for or found (Wyckoff, 1932).