Increase in the Apparent Sensitivity of HeLa Cells on a Membrane Filter to Ultrviolet Radiation

Abstract

HeLa cells were allowed to become attached to a membrane filter and then irradiated with UV radiation at 254 nm. The viability of the cells was lower than that of cells which were irradiated on a plastic Petri dish. This decrease in viability was observed not only when the cells were in direct contact with the membrane filter, but also when the membrane filter was placed outside the Petri dish containing the HeLa cells which allowed the transmission of UV. Experiments with T4 phage in suspension strongly suggest that this decrease in viability is due to the reflection of 254 nm radiation by the membrane filter.