Re: food irradiation stuff (radiation biology lesson?)

[GRAHNK@aol.com]

Charlie, As I recall from radiation biology (a long time ago), the radiation
damages all DNA.  But, the DNA of rapidly dividing cells (bacteria, fungus,
and cancer are examples) are expecially sensitive.  Also, fruits and veggies
aren't "live" in the sense that once they've been picked, they've stop
growing.  Hence little or no damage.  Also, with fruits and veggies, there may
be bacteria or fungi that can cause rot that the radiation kills prolonging
storage life.  

Admittedly, this is a pretty simplistic view, but may be appropriate for your
audience.

Kelly Grahn
Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety
West Chicago Field Office

Grahnk@aol.com
or
Grahn@idns.state.il.us