Question

Explain the difference between somatic damage from radiation and genetic damage. Which type causes immediate damage to the exposed individual?

Short answer

Somatic damage from radiation affects body cells other than reproductive cells, leading to immediate health problems such as cancer, skin burns, and radiation sickness for the exposed individual. Genetic damage, on the other hand, affects reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) and can cause genetic mutations in the offspring of the exposed individual, but does not cause immediate damage to the person exposed. Therefore, somatic damage is the type that causes immediate damage to the exposed individual.

Step-by-step solution

Define Somatic Damage

Somatic damage is the damage caused by ionizing radiation to the body cells other than reproductive cells. This type of damage affects the individual directly and can lead to health problems such as cancer, skin burns, and radiation sickness.

Define Genetic Damage

Genetic damage refers to the damage caused by ionizing radiation to the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs). This type of damage affects the future generations, as it can cause genetic mutations and abnormalities in the offspring of the exposed individual.

Comparing the Effects

The main difference between somatic and genetic damage lies in the area of the body they affect and the implications of these effects. Somatic damage causes health problems in the exposed individual, whereas genetic damage affects the offspring's health.

Immediate Damage

Somatic damage is the type that causes immediate damage to the exposed individual, as it directly impacts the non-reproductive body cells. While genetic damage has consequences for future generations, it may not lead to immediate health problems for the person exposed to radiation.