Chapter 24.4, Problem 30SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Somatic and generic biological damage needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Although radiation has many medical and scientific uses, it is very dangerous. The damage created from ionizing radiation received by the body depends on various factors, such as the type of radiation, its energy, the type of tissue absorbing the radiation, the penetrating power, and the distance from the source.

Answer to Problem 30SSC

Somatic damage and generic damage are caused due to ionizing radiation. Somatic damage affects only nonreproductive body tissues while generic damage offspring of reproductive tissue.

Explanation of Solution

In a biological system, free radicals can change a wide number of other molecules and eventually obstruct the development of normal cells. Damage occurs due to ionizing radiation in living systems are classified as either somatic or genetic. Somatic damage often harms body tissue which is not reproductive. It involves burns and cancer caused by damage to the cell’s growth mechanism. Genetic damage can change offspring by destroying reproductive tissue. Such damage is difficult to study because it might not become clear for various generations.

Conclusion

A free radical is an atom or molecule which possesses one or more unpaired electrons and is one example of the highly reactive products of ionizing radiation.