What is one of the effects of radiation on living cells?

Radiation has a significant impact on living cells, primarily through a process known as ionization. When radiation passes through biological tissues, it can interact with the atoms and molecules in those cells, displacing electrons and leading to the formation of ions. This ionization can cause a variety of cellular damage, including breaks in DNA strands, alterations to cellular structures, and disruptions in cellular metabolism.

The damage caused by this ionization can lead to cell death, mutations, or the potential for cancerous changes, depending on the extent and type of exposure. Some cells, especially those that are rapidly dividing like cancer cells, can be particularly susceptible to the effects of ionizing radiation.

Understanding this effect is vital in fields such as radiology and oncology, where radiation is used both diagnostically and therapeutically. The management of radiation exposure is crucial in minimizing harmful effects while taking advantage of the diagnostic benefits of imaging technologies and the therapeutic effects in treating malignancies.