Relative genetic efficiency of 50 Me V protons as derived from analyses of chromosome anomalies in human lymphocytes.

Based on quantitation of chromosome anomalies observed following in vitro irradiations of human lymphocytes, RGE values were derived for 50 Me V protons relative to 180 kV X-rays. These values indicated 50 Mc V protons to be generally of similar efficiency as X-rays in producing chromosome anomalies in human lymphocytes. However, detailed analysis by types of anomalies observed yielded different RGE values. Thus, 50 Me V protons were found to be 15 percent less efficient than X-rays in producing two-break exchange type aberrations. And inversely, they were about 15 percent more efficient in producing onebread types of aberrations.