Radiation damages living tissue mainly because it
Correct answer: B. ionises molecules, including DNA, producing reactive fragments
- A. heats the tissue significantly
- B. ionises molecules, including DNA, producing reactive fragments
- C. makes the tissue radioactive
- D. changes the pH of the cells
Explanation
Ionisation breaks chemical bonds and generates free radicals that go on to damage DNA, which may kill the cell or, if it is repaired imperfectly, cause a mutation and later a cancer. The energy deposited is far too small to matter as heat. Exposure to gamma or X rays does not make the patient radioactive, which is a common public misconception.
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About Biological and Medical Uses of Radiation
Radiation in medicine includes X-rays and gamma rays for imaging, radioactive tracers for diagnosis, and controlled radiation for destroying cancerous tissue. The topic also covers CT scans, PET imaging, radiotherapy, sterilisation, half-life and dosage, alongside biological damage, shielding and the need to balance diagnostic or therapeutic benefit against exposure.
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