Rapid Communication: Stochastic Model of Free Radical Yields in Oriented DNA Exposed to Densely Ionizing Radiation at 77K

摘要

Monte Carlo simulation techniques were used to calculate the probability that thymine radical anions, formed by the slowing-down of high-energy protons in oriented DNA, will undergo a secondary protonation reaction. By assuming a large asymmetry in the thermal conductivity of oriented DNA fibres we predict a significant enhancement is predicted of protonation of thymine radical anions when the proton flux is incident on the sample parallel to the orientation of the DNA. These results are in qualitative agreement with experimental data on the production of Thymine radicals when oriented DNA is exposed to fast neutrons. Keywords: Radiation effects, Ionizing radiation, Fast neutrons, Neutron irradiation, Neutron flux, Reprints. (aw)