Ionizing Radiation and its Impact on living Organisms (3)

Question 1

Mitosis

Answer 1

Body attempt to repair damage via cell division (replacement of worn out/damaged cells)

Question 2

What does Ionization do to living cells?

Answer 2

Causes them to break apart.

Question 3

Cells do what in response to Ionization?

Answer 3

• Die
• Fully repair
• Repair imperfectly + duplicate (Cancer)

Question 4

Free Radicals

Answer 4

Radiation can interact with water molecules, producing Free Radicals; unstable + reactive molecules formed when bonds between atoms are broken.

Question 5

Direct Action

Answer 5

Direct Action is when cells either:

• Die
• Become Cancerous
• Form Free Radicals

Question 6

Indirect Action

Answer 6

Creation of Free Radicals that combine with other molecules to form harmful substances (hydrogen peroxide), resulting in anatomic cell change which can lead to modified function, or death of the cell.