With respect to the law of Bergonié and Tribondeau, which of the following would best complete the following statement? “The most pronounced radiation effects occur in cells having the A. Least reproductive activity, shortest mitotic phases, and most maturity B. Greatest reproductive activity, shortest mitotic phases, and most maturity C. Greatest reproductive activity, longest mitotic phases, and least maturity D. Least reproductive activity, shortest mitotic phases, and least maturity. E. Greatest reproductive activity, longest mitotic phases, and most maturity.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Greatest reproductive activity, longest mitotic phases, and least maturity.
Explanation:
The Law of Bergonié and Tribondeau is a principle in radiobiology that states that the effects of radiation on cells are more pronounced in cells that are more actively dividing and less mature. The law highlights that the sensitivity of cells to radiation depends on several factors:
- Reproductive Activity: Cells that have greater reproductive activity, i.e., cells that are actively dividing or proliferating, are more sensitive to radiation. This is because radiation tends to affect the DNA replication process, which occurs during cell division. Highly proliferating cells, such as those in the bone marrow or intestinal lining, are more susceptible to radiation-induced damage.
- Mitotic Phases: Cells that are in the longer mitotic phases (such as metaphase) are also more vulnerable to radiation. This is because the DNA is more visible and accessible for radiation-induced damage during these phases of cell division. Cells that are in interphase, when the DNA is less condensed, are typically less sensitive to radiation.
- Maturity: Immature cells, such as stem cells or undifferentiated cells, are more sensitive to radiation than mature cells. Mature cells have completed their differentiation and have a lower capacity for dividing, making them less susceptible to radiation-induced damage.
Why Option C is Correct:
- Greatest reproductive activity: Cells actively dividing (such as in embryonic or growing tissues) are highly sensitive to radiation.
- Longest mitotic phases: Cells in phases like metaphase or anaphase are particularly vulnerable.
- Least maturity: Immature cells (like stem cells) are more sensitive than mature cells because they still retain the ability to proliferate rapidly.
In summary, cells that have greatest reproductive activity, are in longer mitotic phases, and are least mature (less differentiated) tend to show the most pronounced radiation effects according to the Law of Bergonié and Tribondeau.
