Mechanisms of Injury

Question 1

What are the two mechanisms of radiation injury?

Answer 1

1. Ionization

2. Free radical formation

Question 2

How is ionization produced?

Answer 2

Is produced through the photoelectric effect or Compton scatter and results in the formation of a positive atom and a dislodged negative electron.

Question 3

What are free radical?

Answer 3

Is an uncharged atom or molecule that exists with a single, unpaired electron in its outermost shell.

Question 4

How does free radicals achieve stability?

Answer 4

Free radicals may:

1. recombine without causing changes in the molecule.
2. Combine with other free radicals and cause changes.
3. Combine with ordinary molecules to form a toxin.