RADIATION BIOLOGY TUTORIAL 1

1) Difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation Non-ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiations are higher Non-ionizing radiations are low-
energy radiations with low energy radiations with higher
wavelength and high frequency. wavelengths and low frequency.
As it has high photon energy these As it has low photon energy these
radiations are capable of ejecting radiations are not capable to eject
one or more electrons from the the electron from the atom or
atom or molecules. molecules.
These radiations are of two types These radiations are
electromagnetic radiation (X-ray electromagnetic radiations.
and γ ray) and particulate Examples are Ultraviolet
radiation(α-particles,β-particles, radiation, visible light, infrared
neutrons, and heavy charged rays, microwaves, and radio waves
particles
When X-rays or γ-rays are When ultraviolet radiation incident

incidents on a human body. They on a human body. They cause skin

form free radicals and afters the tans and burns.

DNA by a direct or indirect

mechanism.
2) What are free radicals? How are free radicals generated as a result of

irradiation with ionizing radiation?

Free Radical is an unstable electron that is present in the outer

shell. When it becomes too stable, it takes electrons from other atoms or
molecules. E.g. if the radiation interacts with H2O, it will be ionized with
the help of x-ray or gamma rays, it can produce H2O+ radical.

These free radicals can damage the DNA into two methods:

DIRECT:
In this method, when x-rays directly interact with the DNA, it can
cause damage to the helix.
INDIRECT:
In the indirect method, when x-rays interact and can damage the
H2O molecules in the DNA, it will produce hydroxyl radicals.