• Question: how does nuclear radiation break down the genetic strands?

    Asked by 925genm52 to David, Gemma, Juhi, Matt, Stéphane, Yinka on 13 Mar 2018. This question was also asked by baligdei.
    • Photo: Stéphane Berneau

      Stéphane Berneau answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      When cells are exposed to ionizing radiation, radiochemical damage can occur either by direct action or indirect action (using free radicals). Genes will be damaged…however, in humans, we have a reparation system.

      I have found a little video for you:

      Enjoy

    • Photo: David Howard

      David Howard answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      Radiation contains a huge amount of energy which is able to push an electron out of its orbit around an atomic nucleus. If this electron comes from the DNA itself or from a neighboring molecule it can directly strike and disrupt the DNA molecule. Damage can also occur if the electron instead hits an ordinary water molecule. This can produce what is known as a free radical which can also disrupt DNA molecules.

    • Photo: Matt Bawn

      Matt Bawn answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      I have nothing more to add except another video:

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