Biological Radiation Effects

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XVII

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2. Types of Radiation: Characterization and Sources

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 1-22

3. Fundamentals of Radiation Attenuation in Matter

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 23-33

4. Interaction Processes

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 34-54

5. Deposition of Radiation Energy

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 55-87

6. Elements of Photo- and Radiation Chemistry

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 88-103

7. Photo- and Radiation Chemistry of DNA

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 104-120

8. Radiation Effects on Subcellular Systems

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 121-136

9. Loss of Reproductive Ability in Cells

   • Jürgen Kiefer

   Pages 137-156

10. Radiosensitization and Protection

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 157-174

11. Radiation and the Cell Cycle

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 175-181

12. Chromosome Aberrations

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 182-191

13. Mutation and Transformation

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 192-211

14. Repair and Recovery

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 212-239

15. Modifications of Radiation Effects by External Influences

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 240-251

16. Special Aspects of Cellular Radiation Action

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 252-263

17. Theoretical Models of Cellular Radiation Action

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 264-285

18. Cell Survival in Relation to Whole Body Effects

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 286-290

19. Acute Radiation Damage

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 291-308

20. Radiation Effects and Progeny

    • Jürgen Kiefer

    Pages 309-318

The biological action of radiation undoubtedly constitutes an issue of actual con­ cern, particularly after incidences like those in Harrisburg or Chernobyl. These considerations, however, were not the reason for writing this book although it is hoped that it will also be helpful in this respect. The interaction of radiation with biological systems is such an interesting research objective that to my mind no special justification is needed to pursue these problems. The combination of physics, chemistry and biology presents on one hand a fascinating challenge to the student, on the other, it may lead to insights which are not possible if the dif­ ferent subjects remain clearly separated. Special problems of radiation biology have quite often led to new approaches in physics (or vice versa), a recent example is "microdosimetry" (chapter 4). Biological radiation a9tion comprises all levels of biological organization. It starts with the absorption in essential atoms and molecules and ends with the development of cancer and genetic hazards to future generations. The structure of the book reflects this. Beginning with physical and chemical fundamentals, it then turns to a description of chemical and subcellular systems. Cellular effects form a large part since they are the basis for understanding all further responses. Reactions of the whole organism, concentrating on mammals and especially humans, are subsequently treated. The book concludes with a short discussion of problems in radiation protection and the application of radiation in medical therapy. These last points are necessarily short and somewhat superficial.

• Activation
• Endoplasmatisches Reticulum
• Photochemistry
• Strahlenbiologie
• Strahlenschutz
• Strahlentherapie
• Viruses
• Vivo
• cell division
• influence
• ultrasound
• Radiaton Oncology

• Strahlenzentrum, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, Deutschland

  Jürgen Kiefer

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