Interaction of chromatid breaks produced by x-rays and radiomimetic compounds.

The results of combination treatments of the roots of Vicia faba with certain radiomimetic compounds (8-ethoxycaffeine, maleic hydrazide, beta-propiolactone, potassium cyanide) and x-ray as well as combination treatments of certain radiomimetic compounds with one another were observed to determine whether interaction will occur between chromosomal breaks induced by different agents. Interaction was observed between breaks induced by x-rays and all of the breaks induced by chemicals but not between breaks induced by any two chemicals. The results are discussed in terms of possible breakage bond differences and the effects of temporal and spatial differences in breaks induced by different agents.