Biological Radiation Effects

✍ Scribed by Professor Dr. Jürgen Kiefer (auth.)

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
• Year: 1990
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 459
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

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.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages I-XVII
Types of Radiation: Characterization and Sources....Pages 1-22
Fundamentals of Radiation Attenuation in Matter....Pages 23-33
Interaction Processes....Pages 34-54
Deposition of Radiation Energy....Pages 55-87
Elements of Photo- and Radiation Chemistry....Pages 88-103
Photo- and Radiation Chemistry of DNA....Pages 104-120
Radiation Effects on Subcellular Systems....Pages 121-136
Loss of Reproductive Ability in Cells....Pages 137-156
Radiosensitization and Protection....Pages 157-174
Radiation and the Cell Cycle....Pages 175-181
Chromosome Aberrations....Pages 182-191
Mutation and Transformation....Pages 192-211
Repair and Recovery....Pages 212-239
Modifications of Radiation Effects by External Influences....Pages 240-251
Special Aspects of Cellular Radiation Action....Pages 252-263
Theoretical Models of Cellular Radiation Action....Pages 264-285
Cell Survival in Relation to Whole Body Effects....Pages 286-290
Acute Radiation Damage....Pages 291-308
Radiation Effects and Progeny....Pages 309-318
Late Somatic Effects....Pages 319-335
Effects of Internal Exposure....Pages 336-346
Radioecology....Pages 347-363
Principles of Radiation Protection Regulations....Pages 364-373
Radiobiology in Radiation Therapy....Pages 374-391
Back Matter....Pages 392-445

✦ Subjects

Nuclear Chemistry;Biochemistry, general;Biophysics and Biological Physics;Physical Chemistry;Radiotherapy;Biomedical Engineering