Biological Effects of Radiation on Other Cellular Constituents

Radiation is a process in which energy is transmitted in the form of waves or particles through a medium or through space. There are several sources of radiation. The most common ones are the sun, X-ray machines, microwave ovens and nuclear reactors. Radiation is categorized into ionizing and non-ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation is named so because the energy level is low, and it is incapable of removing an electron from an atom or molecule as in a microwave oven. Ionizing radiation has a high-energy level as in UV rays and X-rays to name a few.

Biological Effects

• A lot of research has been undertaken to analyze the biological effects of radiation on the cells in a human body. We have all read reports which suggest that radiation may cause cancers if the human body is exposed to high doses of it. Even low doses are supposed to have genetic and somatic effects on the body.

  The biological effects are categorized as destructive or non-destructive. Radiation can damage cells, but then the impaired cells are at times capable of repairing themselves. At other times, the cells die, but they would soon be replaced through normal biological process. And there are occasions when the cells can’t repair themselves, resulting in pronounced biological effects.

Direct Effect of Radiation

• Direct effect of radiation means that if a cell is exposed to radiation, the radiation interacts “directly” with the atoms in a DNA molecule, or any other constituent of a cell that is pivotal for survival. This direct effect can even lead to destruction of the life-sustaining system.

Indirect Effect of Radiation

• Indirect effect of radiation takes place when a cell is exposed to radiation. The radiation interaction with the atoms in the DNA molecule is negligent. However, the cell is still not immune to destruction. This is because the main constituent of the cell is water. The radiation interacts with water, which breaks the bond of the water to H and OH. These elements recombine with other elements that may form toxic components such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

  It is also important to understand that all living cells respond to radiation in different ways. Some might be more sensitive than others, for example, those cells which reproduce actively are more sensitive than others. The cells which are most affected, in the decreasing order, are:

  • Lymphocytes and Blood forming cells
  • Reproductive and Gastrointestinal cells
  • Nerve and Muscle cells

  Exposure to radiation does not guarantee damage. However, more radiation means more damage.