Mutation formation and inactivation of mammalian cells by heavy ions. 1

The model is based on the supposition that double and single strand breaks (DSB and SSB) cause mutation formation. Mutations are formed as a result of interaction of chromosome loci containing DSB (chromosomal exchange aberration; 1-st type of mutation), spontaneous transition of DSB to unrepaired lesions (terminal deletions) or misrepair DSB (2-nd type of mutations), and misrepair of SSB (3-rd type of mutation). On the basis of the supposition equations for yield of three types of mutations in cells exposed to heavy ions at low doses in dependence on LET were deduced. (author)