What is the major target of ionizing or non ionizing radiation?

The primary cellular target of ionizing radiation is DNA. Damage to DNA caused by ionizing radiation leads to mutations in somatic cells, often resulting in cancer; mutations of germ cells lead to hereditary mutations and, theoretically, genetic diseases.

What can happen when ionizing radiation interacts with DNA?

Ionizing radiation directly affects DNA structure by inducing DNA breaks, particularly, DSBs. Secondary effects are the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that oxidize proteins and lipids, and also induce several damages to DNA, like generation of abasic sites and single strand breaks (SSB).

How is non-ionizing radiation differ from ionizing radiation?

Radiation is classified as being either non-ionizing or ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation is longer wavelength/lower frequency lower energy. While ionizing radiation is short wavelength/high frequency higher energy. Ionizing Radiation has sufficient energy to produce ions in matter at the molecular level.

How can non-ionizing radiation be harmful?

RF energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation is not strong enough to directly affect the structure of atoms or damage DNA; however, it does cause atoms to vibrate, which can cause them to heat up. When RF energy is very strong, such as from radar transmitters, it can be dangerous.

How can non-ionizing radiation be prevented?

The best way to reduce the risk of exposure to non-ionizing radiation is to eliminate the source of exposure….How to reduce the risks

1. Engineering controls. Making physical modifications to facilities, equipment, and processes can reduce exposure.
2. Administrative controls.
3. Personal protective equipment.

What is the primary mode of action of non ionizing radiation?

The energy of particles of non-ionizing radiation is low, and instead of producing charged ions when passing through matter, non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation has only sufficient energy to change the rotational, vibrational or electronic valence configurations of molecules and atoms. This produces thermal effects.

What are some types of ionizing radiation that can cause mutations in the DNA of cells?

Ionizing radiation, such as ultraviolet and high-frequency rays like x-rays, causes damage to living cells and is capable of inducing changes in the genome.

What happens if double strand breaks are not repaired?

Double-strand breaks in DNA can be lethal to a cell. And, if not repaired correctly, DSBs can cause deletions, translocations, and fusions in the DNA. These consequences are collectively referred to as genomic rearrangements, and they are commonly found in cancerous cells (Figure 1) (Aplan 2006).

What causes a DNA strand to break?

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA form as a result of exposure to exogenous agents such as radiation and certain chemicals, as well as through endogenous processes, including DNA replication and repair.