The biological effects of radiation can be classified as and (genetic) effects. Somatic effects are the result of of the body tissues. The major feature of effects is that they are restricted to the irradiated, that is, they are not passed on to future generations. Examples of somatic effects are radiation-induced or radiation cataracts. effects are caused by irradiation of the and may be passed on to an individual's offspring. The effects do not appear in the person receiving the exposure but in their as they are caused by damage to the DNA of the sperm or . Examples of hereditary effects are and mental retardation.

Which of the following symptoms of exposure to radiation may take a long time (several months to years) to develop? Some of our knowledge of these effects comes from epidemiological studies of the medical effects of nuclear explosions, such the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Select all that apply.Group of answer choicesReduced fertility in both males and femalesErythema (reddening of skin)CataractsVarious cancersRadiation pneumonitis

Exposure of human body to radiation may cause:

With specific consideration of biology, what is it about ionising radiation that most makes it hazardous to life?Group of answer choicesIonising radiation interupts digestionIonising radiation leads to hair lossIonising radiation can directly induce cardiac arrestIonising radiation has the ability to cause damage to DNA

Match the examples to chronic or acute effects and exposures.InstructionsDrag and drop application.Exposure to radiation during an x-ray for a broken footExposure to radiation during an x-ray for a broken foot drop zone empty.Developing radiation sickness after exposure to radiationDeveloping radiation sickness after exposure to radiation drop zone empty.Exposure to background radiation, like from radon gasExposure to background radiation, like from radon gas drop zone empty.Developing lung cancer after exposure to radiationDeveloping lung cancer after exposure to radiation drop zone empty.Chronic exposureAcute exposureAcute effectChronic effectNeed help? Review these concept resources.

The damage made by ionising radiation to DNA can be caused in one of two ways - one of which is a direct effect. What does direct effect refer to?Group of answer choicesThe radiation causes damage to molecules in the cell which then directly 'attack' and damgage the DNA.The radiation directly damages proteins that are coded for by DNAThe radiation interacts directly with the DNA to cause damageThe radiation directly damages amino acids.