EFFECTS OF X-IRRADIATION AND UV-IRRADIATION ON PROTEINS

The radiation damage of several proteins has been investigated in aque ous solution, after preceding X- or UV-irradiation. In order to differ entiate between different radiation effects, a series of physico-chemi cal and biochemical methods as well as novel evaluation and normalizat ion procedures have been applied. Numerous changes of several molecula r parameters characterizing functional ability and primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins could be found. Modific ations of radiation effects were achieved by a variety of measures and additives. The results are of interest for many fields of research us ing X-rays or UV light.