STUDIES ON X-RAY EFFECTS : XIV. THE EFFECT OF X-RAY ON THE DIVISION RATE OF PARAMECIUM.

Two races of paramecium were submitted for varying lengths of time to x-radiation and a large number of individuals were observed to determine the effect on the rate of division. The division rate of both races suffered a slight initial depression lasting for 2 to 5 days following the exposure. This depression is followed by complete recovery. Within rather wide limits the length of the exposure has, in these experiments, made no appreciable difference. Apparently the maximum effect of the x-rays is produced by relatively short exposures. Continued radiation produces little further change until exposures of 3 and 4 hours are used, when precisely the opposite results are obtained from those obtained with shorter exposures. Doses repeated at various intervals have in general failed to interfere more markedly with the division rate than a single dose. Repeated radiation causes the cells to become slightly swollen without apparent interference with their viability.