BARTOL RESEARCH
An examination has been made of the rate of death FOUNDATION.
of euglena cells when exposed to the alpha particle radiation . .
Communicatio? No. 52. from radium emanation dissolved in the containing liquid.
It was found that the rate of death of the cells was proportional to the strength of the dissolved emanation and to the number of live euglena cells present, a conclusion in harmony with the view that death of a cell is caused by a single impact of some sensitive region with an alpha particle.
The theory of the case where two impacts of the sensitive region with an alpha particle are necessary to cause death, has been worked out with a generality which allows for a recovery of the cells between the two impacts.
It is found that the results of the experiment are inconsistent with such a hypothesis. From the experimental data, it is possible to calculate the size of the sensitive entity which when struck by the alpha particle causes death to the cell.
The diameter of this entity comes out about equal to that of the nucleus of the euglena cell.
Introduction.
-The effect of radioactive radiations upon cells, especially upon cancer cells, was studied soon after radioactivity was discovered, but the complete story of just what happens when a cell is killed by these radiations is not yet understood.
It was with the object of obtaining further information upon this matter that the experiments herein recorded were carried out. Euglena cells were chosen in the first instance because they were readily obtainable, and because it was readily possible to detect death since, in the living state, they maintained a lively motion. * The investigation was carried out, through the aid of a grant, under the