Radiation Sensitization Of Bacterial-Spores And Phage T7 By Nabr

SummarySpores of Bacillus megaterium and the bacteriophage T7 were sensitized to X-rays by NaBr in N2 purged systems up to the O2 level of sensitivity. This sensitivity is due to the action of ·Br2− formed by reaction of ·OH with Br−. Many additives, representing biologically significant compounds or portions of their structure were tested for their effect on the NaBr-induced sensitization. Proposals are made from these results as to the mechanisms of sensitization by NaBr, as well as reactivities of various additives with ·Br2−.