The Genetic Effects of Radiation
By ISAAC ASIMOV and THEODOSIUS DOBZHANSKY
Contents
[THE MACHINERY OF INHERITANCE] 1 [Introduction] 1 [Cells and Chromosomes] 2 [Enzymes and Genes] 5 [Parents and Offspring] 8 [MUTATIONS] 10 [Sudden Change] 10 [Spontaneous Mutations] 13 [Genetic Load] 16 [Mutation Rates] 19 [RADIATION] 22 [Ionizing Radiation] 22 [Background Radiation] 27 [Man-made Radiation] 30 [DOSE AND CONSEQUENCE] 32 [Radiation Sickness] 32 [Radiation and Mutation] 33 [Dosage Rates] 37 [Effects on Mammals] 40 [Conclusion] 43 [SUGGESTED REFERENCES] 47
THE COVER
The cover design embodies a radiation symbol, a stylized karyotype of human chromosomes, and a genealogical table.
THE AUTHORS
ISAAC ASIMOV received his academic degrees from Columbia University and is Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the Boston University School of Medicine. He is a prolific author who has written over 65 books in the past 15 years, including about 20 science fiction works, and books for children. His many excellent science books for the public cover subjects in mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, and biology, such as The Genetic Code, Inside the Atom, Building Blocks of the Universe, The Living River, The New Intelligent Man’s Guide to Science, and Asimov’s Biographical Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. In 1965 Dr. Asimov received the James T. Grady Award of the American Chemical Society for his major contribution in reporting science progress to the public.