A STOCHASTIC TREATMENT OF RADIATION-DAMAGE TO DNA FROM INDIRECT EFFECTS

A group of interactive computer routines that allow one to model an ar bitrarily long piece of DNA being exposed to low LET ionising radiatio n have been developed. The DNA is in an aqueous solution containing va rying amounts of the scavenger dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO). The calculat ions from the model agree quite well with measured results. Agreement is over a range of DMSO concentrations and indicates that the method o f calculation accurately simulates the reactions. Some unusual results regarding what is referred to as the interaction radius are presented .