Radiation, a treatment for cancer, works by mutating DNA in cells which causes them to die. True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is True.
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA within cells, which can lead to cell death. Cancer cells are particularly sensitive to radiation because they divide more rapidly than normal cells. When radiation is applied, it causes direct or indirect damage to the DNA. This damage can result in mutations, breaks in the DNA strands, or the formation of free radicals. These effects prevent the cancer cells from replicating and ultimately lead to cell death.
There are two primary ways radiation affects DNA: direct and indirect damage. Direct damage occurs when radiation particles interact directly with the DNA molecules, breaking the chemical bonds in the DNA strands. Indirect damage occurs when radiation interacts with water molecules in the cell, producing free radicals. These free radicals, in turn, cause chemical reactions that damage the DNA.
The ability of radiation to induce DNA damage is particularly effective in cancer treatment because cancer cells typically have a higher rate of cell division compared to normal cells. This makes them more vulnerable to DNA damage. In addition, cancer cells often have defective mechanisms for repairing DNA damage, which makes them more susceptible to the effects of radiation.
However, while radiation therapy is effective in killing cancer cells, it can also affect normal healthy cells surrounding the tumor. This is why radiation treatment is often carefully targeted to minimize damage to healthy tissue. The severity of side effects from radiation therapy depends on the location of the tumor, the dose of radiation, and the type of cells affected.
In summary, radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their ability to divide and grow, which ultimately results in cell death. This approach is effective in treating cancer but requires careful application to avoid harming healthy tissue.