Radiation Dose Rate and Mutation Frequency, W. L. Russell and others,Science, 128: 1546 (December 19, 1958).
Ionizing Radiation and the Living Cell, Alexander Hollaender and George E. Stapleton,Scientific American, 201: 95 (September 1959).
Radiation and Human Mutation, H. J. Muller,Scientific American, 193: 58 (November 1955).
Ionizing Radiation and Evolution, James F. Crow,Scientific American, 201: 138 (September 1959).
Radiation and the Population, 29 minutes, sound, black and white, 1962. Produced by the Argonne National Laboratory. This film explains how radiation causes mutations and how these mutations are passed on to succeeding generations. Mutation research is illustrated with results of experimentation on generations of mice. A discussion of work with fruit flies and induced mutations is also included. This film is available for loan without charge from the AEC Headquarters Film Library, Division of Public Information, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, D. C. 20545 and from other AEC film libraries.
The following films were produced by the American Institute of Biological Sciences and may be rented from the Text-Film Division, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 330 West 42nd Street, New York 10036.
Mutation, 28 minutes, sound, color, 1962. This film discusses chromosomal and genetic mutations as applied to man. Muller’s work in inducing mutations by X rays is described.
These three films are 30 minutes long, have sound, are in black and white, and were released in 1960. They are part of a 48-film series that is correlated with the textbook,Principles of Genetics, (fifth edition), Edmund W. Sinnott, L. C. Dunn, and Theodosius Dobzhansky, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1958, 459 pp., $8.50.
Mutagen-Induced Gene Mutation.The narrator of this film is Hermann J. Muller, who won a Nobel Prize in 1946 for his work in the field of genetics. The measurement of X-ray dose in roentgens and the dose required to double the spontaneous mutation rate inDrosophilaand mice are discussed. The magnitude and meaning of permissible doses of high-energy radiation are discussed. Other mutagenic agents (ultraviolet light and chemical substances) are discussed, concluding with comments on the importance of gene mutation in the present and future.
Selection, Genetic Death and Genetic Radiation Damage.The narrator of this film is Theodosius Dobzhansky, the coauthor of this booklet. Genetic death is discussed in detail, as are examples of how genetic loads are changed subsequent to radiation exposure. While it is generally agreed that the great majority of mutants are harmful when homozygous, more evidence is needed about the beneficial and detrimental effects of mutantswhen heterozygous. In the case of sickle cell anemia, heterozygotes are adaptively superior to normal homozygotes. This makes for balanced polymorphism, by which a gene is retained in the population despite its lethality when homozygous because of the advantage it confers when heterozygous.
Gene Structure and Gene Action.The lecturer of this film is G. W. Beadle of Cornell University. The Watson-Crick structure of DNA is discussed in terms of mutation. Several tests of the chain separation hypothesis for DNA replication are described (experiments with heavy DNA, radioactive chromosomes, and the replication of DNA in vitro). This working hypothesis is presented: The coded information in DNA is transferred to RNA, which serves as a template for polypeptide synthesis.
[1]For more detail about cell division, seeRadioisotopes and Life Processes, another booklet in this series.[2]This is more commonly known as “Mongolism” or “Mongolian idiocy” though it has nothing to do with the Mongolian people.[3]Actually, all waves have some of the characteristics of particles and all particles have some of the characteristics of waves. Usually, however, the radiation is predominantly one or the other and little confusion arises under ordinary circumstances in speaking of waves and particles as though they were separate phenomena.[4]For more about this subject, seeRadioisotopes in IndustryandRadioisotopes in Medicine, companion booklets in this series.[5]For more about this subject, seeFallout from Nuclear Tests, another booklet in this series.[6]For details onsomaticeffects of radiation, seeYour Body and Radiation, a companion booklet in this series.[7]Estimated average exposures to the gonads, based on 1963 report of Federal Radiation Council.[8]One thousandth of a rem.[9]Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that the precautions taken in the atomic energy industry are such that absorption of radiation is not as severe a problem as one might suspect. Fully 95% of those engaged in this work receive less than 1 rem a year. Only 1% receive more than 5 rems.
[1]For more detail about cell division, seeRadioisotopes and Life Processes, another booklet in this series.
[2]This is more commonly known as “Mongolism” or “Mongolian idiocy” though it has nothing to do with the Mongolian people.
[3]Actually, all waves have some of the characteristics of particles and all particles have some of the characteristics of waves. Usually, however, the radiation is predominantly one or the other and little confusion arises under ordinary circumstances in speaking of waves and particles as though they were separate phenomena.
[4]For more about this subject, seeRadioisotopes in IndustryandRadioisotopes in Medicine, companion booklets in this series.
[5]For more about this subject, seeFallout from Nuclear Tests, another booklet in this series.
[6]For details onsomaticeffects of radiation, seeYour Body and Radiation, a companion booklet in this series.
[7]Estimated average exposures to the gonads, based on 1963 report of Federal Radiation Council.
[8]One thousandth of a rem.
[9]Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that the precautions taken in the atomic energy industry are such that absorption of radiation is not as severe a problem as one might suspect. Fully 95% of those engaged in this work receive less than 1 rem a year. Only 1% receive more than 5 rems.
Nuclear energy is playing a vital role in the life of every man, woman, and child in the United States today. In the years ahead it will affect increasingly all the peoples of the earth. It is essential that all Americans gain an understanding of this vital force if they are to discharge thoughtfully their responsibilities as citizens and if they are to realize fully the myriad benefits that nuclear energy offers them.
The United States Atomic Energy Commission provides this booklet to help you achieve such understanding.
Edward J. Brunenkant
Edward J. BrunenkantDirectorDivision of Technical Information
Edward J. Brunenkant
Director
Division of Technical Information
This booklet is one of the “Understanding the Atom” Series. Comments are invited on this booklet and others in the series; please send them to the Division of Technical Information, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, D. C. 20545.
Published as part of the AEC’s educational assistance program, the series includes these titles:
Single copies of any booklet may be obtained free by writing to:
USAEC, P. O. BOX 62, OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE37830
Requests for more than three titles generally can not be honored.
Complete sets of the series are available to school and public librarians, and to teachers who can make them available for reference or for use by groups. Requests should be made on school or library letterheads and indicate the proposed use.
Students and teachers who need publications on specific topics related to nuclear science, or references to other reading material, may also write to the Oak Ridge address. Requests should state the topic of interest exactly, and the use intended.
IMPORTANT: All requests should include the “Zip Code” in the address to which the material is to be mailed.
Printed in the United States of America
USAEC Division of Technical Information Extension, Oak Ridge, TennesseeSeptember 1966