Technical Progress Report, July 1, 1971--August 1, 1972.

Abstract

This report summarizes results of studies on the chemical and conformational changes produced in proteins after gamma irradiation. Three different protein systems have been used: dry solid egg white lysozyme, a lysozyme DNA complex, and rabbit eye lens. The latter two systems have been studied on a preliminary level. Salt fractionation procedures followed by slab gel electrophoresis has been used to separate damaged and undamaged molecules. Results on irradiated solid lysozyme demonstrate that main chain fission occurs on irradiation, as well as crosslinking and chemical changes leading to destruction of conformation.