[The action of atomic radiation in low doses on the biota].

The radiobiological studies carried out in conditions of lower and slightly increased natural radiation background have prompted an idea of "low doses" in radiobiology which is proposed for discussion. The author emphasizes that the difference between the leading molecular and cellular mechanisms that come into play under the effect of high- and low-level atomic radiation makes it incorrect to assess the risk from low radiation doses on the basis of the regularities obtained with high doses.