Chapter 12: Cell Death by Radiation, The LQ Model (One/Two Step Lethal Effect)

12 flashcards · Biology · by Kristóf Nagy

1. Linear Energy Transfer (LET)

   The amount of energy deposited per unit length by ionizing radiation.1123242930

2. Double-strand breaks (DSB)

   Breaks in both strands of the DNA molecule.89112829

3. Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE)

   The ratio of the dose of a reference radiation (typically X-rays) to the dose of a test radiation required to produce the same biological effect.11222324

4. Oxygen effect

   The increased sensitivity of cells to radiation in the presence of oxygen.101130

5. Alpha (α)

   A parameter in the LQ model that represents the probability of cell death from a single radiation event (single-strand break).28303132

6. Oxygen Enhancement Ratio (OER)

   The ratio of radiation doses required to produce the same biological effect in the absence and presence of oxygen.11

7. LQ Model

   A mathematical model used to describe cell survival after exposure to ionizing radiation.5111728...

8. Beta (β)

   A parameter in the LQ model that represents the probability of cell death from two radiation events (double-strand break).28303132

9. Direct effect

   Damage to DNA caused directly by the ionizing radiation.11

10. Surviving Fraction (SF)

    The proportion of cells that survive after exposure to a given dose of radiation.1729303133

11. Single-strand breaks (SSB)

    Breaks in one strand of the DNA molecule.791128

12. Indirect effect

    Damage to DNA caused by chemical reactions initiated by radiation.11