Detection of DNA damage induced by low and high TEL ionizing radiations
Résumé
Ionizing radiations induce DNA damage mainly via hydroxyl radicals produced by radiolysis of water. The most currently studied DNA lesions are single and double strand breaks. By mean of plasmid relaxation coupled or not with the use of specific DNA repair enzymes, wee were able to show that base damage are also produced, in addition to DNA strand breaks, in plasmid DNA irradiated in solution with gamma rays of Co-60. When DNA is it-radiated in a dry state, doses 100 fold higher are necessary to produce similar levels of damage. Preliminary results obtained with accelerated heavy ions show the importance of the induction of double strand breaks.