MODELING OF DNA BREAKS AND THE FORMATION OF CHROMOSOME-ABERRATIONS

We present results of some calculations that convert double-strand bre aks to dicentrics by means of a repair-misrepair model. The method use s Monte Carlo techniques to determine the positions of the double-stra nd breaks and to determine the dicentric yields for comparison with th ose obtained experimentally in human lymphocytes following irradiation in Go. The model is able to describe the linear-quadratic curves of d icentric yield following low LET irradiation, but underpredicts by a f actor of about 1.5-2.0 the high LET neutron curves. The effects of inc luding corrections for interphase death are demonstrated. The reasons for the discrepancy at high LET are discussed and suggestions for an i mprovement to the fit are made.