Radiation effects that show up in the next generation are called which?

Radiation effects that show up in the next generation are called which?

• A. Genetic
• B. Exposed cell
• C. Somatic
• D. Molecular

Answer: (A)

Genetic effects are the ones that appear in the next generation. When radiation damages germ cells (sperm or ova), mutations can be passed to offspring. If that DNA damage is not repaired, the inherited mutations or chromosomal abnormalities show up in the next generation, even though the irradiated person may not have somatic symptoms. This distinguishes them from somatic effects, which occur in the irradiated individual and aren’t inherited. Terms like “exposed cell” aren’t used to describe inherited effects, and “molecular” would refer to changes at the DNA level but not specifically to heritable outcomes.

Genetic effects are the ones that appear in the next generation. When radiation damages germ cells (sperm or ova), mutations can be passed to offspring. If that DNA damage is not repaired, the inherited mutations or chromosomal abnormalities show up in the next generation, even though the irradiated person may not have somatic symptoms. This distinguishes them from somatic effects, which occur in the irradiated individual and aren’t inherited. Terms like “exposed cell” aren’t used to describe inherited effects, and “molecular” would refer to changes at the DNA level but not specifically to heritable outcomes.