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Chromosome Breakage induced by electrolytically produced Free Radicals

Abstract

IN assessing the mode of action of radiations in biological systems, the free radicals have been recognized as playing an important part in producing the end effect1. It has also been shown that chemically produced free radicals (hydroxyl ions from hydrogen peroxide plus iron ions) are capable of inducing chromosome breakage in barley2. In the present work, attempts were made to study the biological effects of free radicals and secondary products produced electrolytically by the well-known Kolbes synthesis3 in which the anode reaction can be described as follows :

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References

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AHNSTRÖM, G., NATARAJAN, A. Chromosome Breakage induced by electrolytically produced Free Radicals. Nature 188, 961–962 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/188961a0

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