Question

When ionizing radiation strike atoms or molecules in their paths they cause _____

(A) electrons to be knocked away, forming shielding, highly reactive species that can cause undesirable effects in living tissue.
(B) cancer, a life-threatening disease.
(C) ions or free radicals, highly reactive species that can cause undesirable effects in living tissue.
(D) gamma radiation, leading to death or dismemberment.

Answer 1

C) ions or free radicals, highly reactive species that can cause undesirable effects in living tissue.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionizing radiation is a type of energy released by atoms in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles

When a cell absorbs radiation, there are four possible effects on the cell.

• The cell may suffer enough damage to cause loss of proper function, and the cell will die.

• The cell may lose its ability to reproduce itself.

• The cell’s genetic code (i.e., the DNA) may be damaged such that future copies of the cell are altered, which may result in cancerous growth.

• The absorption of radiation by a cell may have no adverse effects.

The detrimental effects of ionizing radiation (IR) involve a highly orchestrated series of events that are amplified by endogenous signaling and culminating in oxidative damage to DNA, lipids, proteins, and many metabolites. Despite the global impact of IR, the molecular mechanisms underlying tissue damage reveal that many bio molecules are chemo selectively modified by IR

Hence the correct answer is C.