Comparative effects of gamma rays and electron beams on spores of Bacillus pumilus.

The effects of gamma rays and electron beams on the germination, outgrowth and the synthesis of protein and RNA of Bacillus pumilus spores were investigated to clarify the difference in the effects of the two types of radiations on bacterial spores. Gamma irradiation facilitated the germination to a slightly larger degree than electron irradiation. The outgrowth, growth and the synthesis of protein and RNA were inhibited by gamma irradiation to a greater extent than electron irradiation, when the spores were irradiated at the same dose. However, the effects of the two types of radiations were the same when the spores were irradiated with electron beams at a dose 30% higher than gamma rays. The results indicate that the effects of electron beams on bacterial spores and those of gamma rays are qualitatively the same but quantitatively different.