Name a type of ionising radiation.
Reveal answer
X-rays / gamma / UV.
Key words: X-rays
4(b) INHERITANCE · RECALL
4.37B Ionising radiation and chemical mutagens
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Name a chemical mutagen.
Reveal answer
Tar in tobacco smoke.
Key words: tar
Why does UV cause skin cancer?
Reveal answer
UV → DNA mutation → uncontrolled cell division.
Key words: mutation
What is meant by the term ionising radiation?
Reveal answer
Radiation energetic enough to remove electrons and damage molecules.
Key words: ionising radiation
What is meant by the term DNA repair?
Reveal answer
Cell processes that detect and correct DNA damage.
Key words: DNA repair
Mutagens and DNA damage: for Ionising radiation, give the possible dna effect and the risk control.
Reveal answer
Possible DNA effect: Strand breaks/base damage. Risk control: Justify, minimise time, shielding.
Key words: Ionising radiation
Mutagens and DNA damage: for UV radiation, give the possible dna effect and the risk control.
Reveal answer
Possible DNA effect: Pyrimidine dimers. Risk control: Limit exposure/protect skin.
Key words: UV radiation
Mutagens and DNA damage: for Chemical mutagen, give the possible dna effect and the risk control.
Reveal answer
Possible DNA effect: Base alteration/intercalation/cross-link. Risk control: Substitute, contain, PPE.
Key words: Chemical mutagen
Mutagens and DNA damage: for Tobacco smoke, give the possible dna effect and the risk control.
Reveal answer
Possible DNA effect: Multiple DNA-damaging chemicals. Risk control: Do not smoke/avoid exposure.
Key words: Tobacco smoke
True or false, and why? “All radiation has the same mutation risk.”
Reveal answer
False. Risk depends on radiation type, energy, dose and exposure.
True or false, and why? “A mutagen always causes a mutation.”
Reveal answer
False. It increases probability; repair may prevent lasting change.
True or false, and why? “Mutagen and carcinogen mean exactly the same thing.”
Reveal answer
False. Many mutagens are carcinogenic, but the terms describe different properties.
How does tar in tobacco smoke increase the risk of lung cancer?
Reveal answer
Tar contains mutagens → mutations in lung cells → uncontrolled cell division → tumour.
Key words: mutagens
How does a larger dose of ionising radiation affect the chance of mutation?
Reveal answer
The chance of mutation is higher.
Key words: higher
Why do radiographers stand behind a lead screen?
Reveal answer
Lead absorbs X-rays → less exposure to ionising radiation.
Key words: X-rays