Effect of N-acetyl-l-cysteine on Saccharomyces cerevisiae irradiated with gamma-rays

► Effects of NAC were studied in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303-1A. ► Expression of antioxidant enzyme genes was induced by gamma-irradiation. ► Pretreatment of NAC reduced expression of the genes, and SOD and GSH level. ► NAC could reduce radiation-induced ROS levels in vivo. ► NAC could not protect the cells against radiation-induced death.