ABSTRACT
The development of the model leads to the prediction that a single deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double strand break can lead to a chromosome aberration, in contradiction with traditional theories. The unineme concept of chromosome structure, which visualises the DNA double helix running from one telomere end of the chromosome to the other telomere end, identifies a DNA double strand break as a chromatid arm break and its repair as the rejoining of chromatid arms. The strongest evidence supporting the concept that a chromosomal aberration could derive from one DNA double strand break comes from the cytological studies using 0.28 keV carbon-K ultrasoft X-rays which deposit their energy in a 7 nanometre long electron track. This electron track is just a little longer than the 2 nanometre DNA double helix is wide but much shorter than the 30 nanometre DNA-histone coil width.
