Maria Athinen M.

Astorga 12 STEM 3

VIDEO ANALYSIS: THE MOST RADIOACTIVE MAN IN THE WORLD

As we all know, cells are the basic unit of life. But, what happens when there is
too much exposure to radiation from our cells? Radiation, specifically ionizing radiation,
can directly damage the DNA structure of a cell to which single-strand breaks (SSBs)
and double strand breaks (DSBs) interfere with the accurate replication and
segregation of genetic material during mitosis. Being exposed to a high dosage of
radiation can damage human health and can range from acute sickness, such as skin
burns and radiation sickness, to long-term effects like cancer and cardiovascular
diseases. Mitigating these effects includes strict adherence to safety protocols, regular
health monitoring, using protective measures, and developing medical interventions. In
Hisashi Ouchi’s case, his intense exposure to uranium caused abnormalities in his
chromosomes which prevented his bone marrow from producing new white blood
cells. While some cells can successfully repair damage and function normally, severely
damaged cells may cause apoptosis (cell death) to eliminate unwanted cells, and cell
cycle arrest as a stopping point that allow cells to repair damage before continuing to
divide.

If a cell with unrepaired or improperly repaired DNA damage continues to

divide, mutations and genetic abnormalities of the cell are inherited to its daughter
cells. Any alterations to a cell’s DNA can lead to mutations (Mutagenesis), or the
transformation of normal cells into cancer cells (Oncogenesis). In just a single cell, it can
replicate itself to make a new cell, and once this process goes out of control or
abnormally, it can lead to the formation of a tumor. Thus, radiation protection and
oncological research are truly important in saving lives as they contribute to advancing
our understanding of cancer and improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment.

When ionizing radiation affects gonads (reproductive organs) or germ cells

(sperm and egg cells), it has the potential to harm the genetic material, resulting in
mutations that can cause genetic hereditary disorders. DNA damage can increase the
susceptibility to diseases that can be passed onto future generations, potentially
affecting the health of individuals within the population. These harmful mutations can
reduce the genetic diversity within a community and diminish an individual's fitness or
capacity to live and reproduce. Overall, DNA serves as the genetic blueprint of an
organism, although cells have mechanisms to repair DNA damage, excessive radiation
exposure can still overwhelm these repair mechanisms.
 SOURCES/REFERENCES:

https://science.howstuffworks.com/hisashi-ouchi.htm?fbclid=IwAR3zl8gp6UkXAa2F5vJfXr
4HNrUFmdtcX4smYLGBRSlCeFpOxPaOPn8k9-Y

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK12344/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218706/?fbclid=IwAR2gUJxPfxx6OZ2MQG2FOh
rS86Kd58aVfqe7XE58WumWhuZR7po5wcuXcNs

https://www.bfs.de/EN/topics/ion/effect/hereditary/hereditary