Question

Which of the following is a consequence of exposure to ionizing radiation?

1) Creation of unstable atoms
2) Production of free electrons
3) Creation of highly reactive free radicals capable of producing substances poisonous to the cell
4) Creation of new biologic molecules detrimental to the living cell
5) Injury to the cell that may manifest itself as abnormal function or loss of function

Answer 1

Exposure to ionizing radiation can result in the creation of unstable atoms, production of free electrons, formation of highly reactive free radicals, creation of new biologic molecules detrimental to cells, and cell injury causing abnormal or loss of function.

Step-by-step explanation:

Exposure to ionizing radiation can have several consequences on living organisms. Some of these consequences include:

1. Creation of unstable atoms: Ionizing radiation can cause atoms to become unstable by altering their atomic structure.
2. Production of free electrons: Ionizing radiation can release electrons from atoms, creating free electrons.
3. Creation of highly reactive free radicals capable of producing substances poisonous to the cell: Ionizing radiation can create highly reactive free radicals that can damage biological molecules and disrupt cell functions.
4. Creation of new biologic molecules detrimental to the living cell: Ionizing radiation can cause the formation of new molecules that are harmful to living cells.
5. Injury to the cell that may manifest itself as abnormal function or loss of function: Exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to cell injury, resulting in abnormal or loss of function.

Exposure to ionizing radiation leads to the creation of unstable atoms, free electrons, and highly reactive free radicals that can damage cells and DNA, causing abnormal cell function and potentially leading to serious health effects like cancer or cell death.

The consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation include the following:

Creation of unstable atoms

Production of free electrons

Creation of highly reactive free radicals capable of producing substances poisonous to the cell

Creation of new biologic molecules detrimental to the living cell

Injury to the cell that may manifest itself as abnormal function or loss of function

Ionizing radiation can cause profound harm to living cells by ionizing molecules, breaking chemical bonds, and creating reactive free radicals. This may lead to serious malfunctions in normal cell processes and compromise the cell's ability to repair itself, which could result in illness or death. The biological effects of ionizing radiation are particularly damaging to DNA and can lead to cancer, cell death, or other types of cellular dysfunction.