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Radioactive C14 can lead to B-decay which can lead to what?

(A) Cell division
(B) Cell death
(C) Mutation
(D) Protein synthesis

User Irvin Dua
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Final answer:

Beta-decay of Radioactive C14 can cause mutations in DNA, which may disrupt normal cellular functions and lead to consequences such as cell death or cancer development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks what beta-decay of Radioactive C14 can lead to. Beta-decay is a type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of a beta particle, which is an electron or positron. In the context of biological systems, B-decay of Radioactive C14 can cause damage to the molecular structure of DNA and other critical biomolecules inside a living cell.

When beta particles emitted from C14 decay penetrate cellular material, they have the potential to break chemical bonds or ionize molecules. This damage can result in a variety of effects including the production of ions and molecular fragments that can react with and alter other molecules, leading to mutations within the DNA. These mutations can then disrupt normal cellular functions, potentially leading to various outcomes such as cell death or the development of cancer.

Therefore, beta-decay of Radioactive C14 can lead to C) Mutation. This mutation process can impact cellular functions including DNA replication, cell division, and may also be implicated in the development of cancer due to unregulated cell division and impaired DNA repair mechanisms.

User Kilise
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