Inactivation of biologically active DNA by isopropanol and formate radicals.

If OH and H radicals, produced by absorption of ionizing radiation in aqueous solutions, are scavenged with isopropanol or sodium formate, secondary radicals are formed which can inactivate phi X174 DNA. From experiments at various DNA concentrations and dose rates we were able to determine the rate constant and the inactivation efficiency of the reaction of these organic radicals with single stranded DNA.