Gross cellular effects from exposure to ionizing radiation can include which of the following?

Gross cellular effects from exposure to ionizing radiation can include which of the following?

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Ionizing radiation damages DNA and other cellular components, so the observable cellular outcomes can vary. If the damage is severe or unreparable, the cell will die. If the cell survives but cannot properly repair the damage, it can be halted at cell-cycle checkpoints, leading to a delay or arrest in mitosis. Additionally, breaks in DNA, especially double-strand breaks, can be misrepaired and result in chromosomal aberrations. Because any of these scenarios can occur depending on dose, cell type, and timing after exposure, all of these gross cellular effects can be observed.

Ionizing radiation damages DNA and other cellular components, so the observable cellular outcomes can vary. If the damage is severe or unreparable, the cell will die. If the cell survives but cannot properly repair the damage, it can be halted at cell-cycle checkpoints, leading to a delay or arrest in mitosis. Additionally, breaks in DNA, especially double-strand breaks, can be misrepaired and result in chromosomal aberrations. Because any of these scenarios can occur depending on dose, cell type, and timing after exposure, all of these gross cellular effects can be observed.