The electron spin resonance spectrum of a suicidal fungus.

The electron spin resonance spectrum of a suicidal inositol auxotroph of Neurospora crassa, previously used as a model of cellular aging, exhibits a high-spin Fe(III) signal whose intensity increases as a function of the mutant's "senescence". Surprisingly, the intensity of the signal is further enhanced by the exogenous antioxidant nordihydroguaiaretic acid, which reportedly decreases the rate of senescence.