The Genetic Effects of Radiation
By ISAAC ASIMOV and THEODOSIUS DOBZHANSKY
Contents
- THE MACHINERY OF INHERITANCE 1
- Introduction 1
- Cells and Chromosomes 2
- Enzymes and Genes 5
- Parents and Offspring 8
- MUTATIONS 10
- Sudden Change 10
- Spontaneous Mutations 13
- Genetic Load 16
- Mutation Rates 19
- RADIATION 22
- Ionizing Radiation 22
- Background Radiation 27
- Man-made Radiation 30
- DOSE AND CONSEQUENCE 32
- Radiation Sickness 32
- Radiation and Mutation 33
- Dosage Rates 37
- Effects on Mammals 40
- Conclusion 43
- SUGGESTED REFERENCES 47
THE COVER
The cover design embodies a radiationsymbol, a stylized karyotype of humanchromosomes, and a genealogical table.
THE AUTHORS
ISAAC ASIMOV received his academic degreesfrom Columbia University and is AssociateProfessor of Biochemistry at the BostonUniversity School of Medicine. He is a prolificauthor who has written over 65 books in thepast 15 years, including about 20 sciencefiction works, and books for children. Hismany excellent science books for the publiccover subjects in mathematics, physics, astronomy,chemistry, and biology, such as The Genetic Code, Insidethe Atom, Building Blocks of the Universe, The Living River, TheNew Intelligent Man’s Guide to Science, and Asimov’s BiographicalEncyclopedia of Science and Technology. In 1965 Dr. Asimov receivedthe James T. Grady Award of the American ChemicalSociety for his major contribution in reporting science progressto the public.
THEODOSIUS DOBZHANSKY was graduatedfrom Kiev University and is now a professorat the Rockefeller University. He has doneresearch in genetics and biological evolutionon every continent except Antarctica. Amonghis distinguished published works are Radiation,Genes, and Man, Heredity and the Natureof Man, Mankind Evolving, and Evolution, Genetics,and Man. Mr. Dobzhansky received the Daniel G. ElliotPrize and Medal and the Kimber Genetics Award from the Natio