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Although we tend to think of biological effects in terms of the effect of radiation on living cells, in
actuality, ionizing radiation, by definition, interacts only with atoms by a process called ionization.
Thus, all biological damage effects begin with the consequence of radiation interactions with the atoms
forming the cells. As a result, radiation effects on humans proceed from the lowest to the highest levels.
If radiation interacts with the atoms of the DNA molecule, or some other cellular component critical to
the survival of the cell, it is referred to as a direct effect. Such an interaction may affect the ability of
the cell to reproduce and, thus, survive. If enough atoms are affected such that the chromosomes do not
replicate properly, or if there is significant alteration in the information carried by the DNA molecule,
then the cell may be destroyed by "direct" interference with its life-sustaining system.
If a cell is exposed to radiation, the probability of the radiation interacting with the DNA molecule is very small since these critical components make up such a small part of the cell. However, each cell, just as is the case for the human body, is mostly water. Therefore, there is a much higher probability of
radiation interacting with the water that makes up most of the cell's volume.
When radiation interacts with water, it may break the bonds that hold the water molecule together,producing fragments such as hydrogen (H) and hydroxyls (OH). These fragments may recombine or mayinteract with other fragments or ions to form compounds, such as water, which would not harm the cell.
However, they could combine to form toxic substances, such as hydrogen peroxide (h2o2), which can contribute to the destruction of the cell.
What else can I help you with?
How can the ozone be bad to life on earth?
Ozone in the upper atmosphere is GOOD for life on earth, its presence there shields life on Earth from the harmful UV radiation that comes from the Sun.
How does snow affect the earth's albedo?
Albedo means how reflective the earth is. Snow increases the earth's albedo by reflecting more of the sun's radiation.
What form of radiation can be shielded by the earth's atmosphere?
The form of radiation shielded by atmosphere is Ultraviolet. The Ultraviolet is a part of radiation released by our star sun.
How does this radiation affect us here on earth which ones reach us and of these which are useful and which are harmful?
Its Adrian Dias
How do solar flares and sunspots affect the earth climate?
Solar flares release bursts of energy and radiation that can disrupt Earth's magnetic field and cause geomagnetic storms. Sunspots are cooler areas on the sun's surface that can affect solar radiation reaching Earth. Both solar flares and sunspots can influence the Earth's climate by affecting the amount of solar radiation received, potentially leading to changes in weather patterns and atmospheric processes.
How does Earths atmosphere affect life on Earth?
The "ozone", as we call it, exists in the stratosphere of our atomoshpere. The ozone protects life from ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Which planet has an atmosphere that protects life from the suns radiation?
The EARTH!!!!
How harm is radiation?
Not al radiation is harmful. There would be no life on earth if the radiation, which we call sunlight, did not exist.
What are some charactaristics from the sun that have affect on earth?
Light, heat, radiation
How does radiation affect your life?
Radiation can be very dangerous to the human body and if concentrated enough, can cause death.
How is radiation used?
It brings heat and light from the sun to the earth. No radiation and the earth would be a dark and icy place with no life forms.
How does ultraviolet radiation harm hgumans and life on earth?
The UV radiation harms life and humans on earth. These UV radiations are high wavelength. They cause skin cancer like problems.
How can the ozone be bad to life on earth?
Ozone in the upper atmosphere is GOOD for life on earth, its presence there shields life on Earth from the harmful UV radiation that comes from the Sun.
How does snow affect the earth's albedo?
Albedo means how reflective the earth is. Snow increases the earth's albedo by reflecting more of the sun's radiation.
What is a common source of radiation of the earth?
The Sun is the most common natural source of radiation on Earth. It emits various forms of radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet rays, and infrared radiation. These types of radiation are essential for sustaining life on our planet.
Why is earths magnetic field impotant?
The earth's magnetic field is important in that it prevents the sun's solar radiation from killing life on earth by wiping out the earth's atmosphere and deflecting dangerous radiation.
What form of radiation can be shielded by the earth's atmosphere?
The form of radiation shielded by atmosphere is Ultraviolet. The Ultraviolet is a part of radiation released by our star sun.
