The influence of terahertz radiation on the cell’s genetic apparatus

This article presents a review of the literature data and our own data concerning the effects of terahertz radiation on the state of DNA, the chromosome, and the activity of genes in the cells of micro-organisms and eukaryotes. The phenotypical changes that accompany the irradiation of intact organisms are described. Mutagenic effects and epigenetic pathways of action are considered. Possible mechanisms of the nonthermal action of terahertz radiation are discussed. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America