Final answer:
Ionizing radiation can either kill cells, pass through them without harm, or damage them with the potential for repair. The effect is dependent on the ionizing power, type of cell, and the cell's reparative abilities. Cancer cells are especially susceptible to ionizing radiation, allowing it to serve both as a treatment for and a cause of cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When ionizing radiation comes in contact with cells, it can have a range of effects. These include the ability to kill the cell, pass through the cell without producing any damage, or damage the cell in such a way that the damage can be adequately repaired. The impact of ionizing radiation on cells depends largely on various factors, including the type of radiation, the type of cell, and the cell's current state and ability to repair DNA damage.
Cancer cells, characterized by rapid reproduction and a malfunction of cell reproduction, are notably more sensitive to radiation than normal cells. Thus, ionizing radiation can both be used as a treatment to kill cancer cells and be a causal factor in the development of cancer. The ionizing power and penetration ability of different types of radiation, such as alpha particles and gamma rays, contribute to their potential for cellular damage. Ionizing radiation holds the potential to alter molecular structures, cause DNA mutations, and create disruptive hydroxyl radicals, ultimately leading to varying degrees of cellular malfunction or death.