The possible role of the molecular products from DNA radiolysis in mutagenesis

: Analysis of literature data on molecular products of DNA radiolysis and their possible role in mutagenesis enabled us to define a number of potentially mutagenic products of modified DNA nitrogen base and to correlate primary mechanisms of free radical products formation and their transformation with the formation of final potentially mutagenic products of DNA nitrogen base and consequently with the formation of cell mutations induced by radiation. In the review general schemes of radiation mutagenesis are proposed for potentially mutagenic products of all DNA nitrogen base. Analysis of radiation-chemical yield of these products is also given. Possible role of apurinic (apyrimidinic) sites and the modified sugar fragment of DNA in mutagenesis has been discussed as well.