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Factors Affecting Radiation Response (Continuation)

Biological factors influence an organism's response to radiation, with different organisms and cell types exhibiting varying levels of radiosensitivity. For instance, eukaryotic cells show significant death at doses of 1-2 Gy, while bacteria require much higher doses. Additionally, factors such as age, tissue arrangement, and the extent of irradiation can impact the severity of radiation reactions in humans.

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33 views1 page

Factors Affecting Radiation Response (Continuation)

Biological factors influence an organism's response to radiation, with different organisms and cell types exhibiting varying levels of radiosensitivity. For instance, eukaryotic cells show significant death at doses of 1-2 Gy, while bacteria require much higher doses. Additionally, factors such as age, tissue arrangement, and the extent of irradiation can impact the severity of radiation reactions in humans.

Uploaded by

Princess Almira Odoño
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Biological Factors

Biological factors are due to the cell being irradiated or the organism as a whole.
Different organisms have different tolerances to radiation. Most eukaryotic cell cultures
demonstrate significant cellular death at doses of 1 – 2 Gy. Bacteria are relatively radioresistant,
requiring doses far above those in mammalian cells before significant cell death occurs.
Although this has minimal relevance to tissue reactions seen in humans it is important in other
areas that use radiation (eg. food sterilisation).
The different cells within an organism may also show differing radiosensitivity. Haemopoietic
cells typically respond to low doses of radiation, whereas well differentiated skin cells do not
suffer ill consequences except at very high doses. If a cell is undergoing the cell cycle, its
current stage is also relevant to radiosensitivity and the resulting radiation reaction. Cells in S-
phase are typically resistant, whereas those undergoing M-phase are generally much more
radiosensitive.
The arrangement of a tissue may also play a role in the radiation reaction. Tissues with a serial
organisation of their functional sub-units may demonstrate a significant response if only one of
their units is damaged (eg. spinal cord). Tissues with a parallel arrangement (eg. liver, kidney)
typically only show clinical effects if a significant volume is irradiated.
In humans, the age of a person may also impact on their response to radiation. Children are
much more likely to suffer from second malignancies due to radiation exposure. Children also
have developing tissues (such as cartilage) which can be permanently damaged by low doses
of radiation (10 – 20 Gy). Gender has minimal role to play, aside from the differing locations of
reproductive organs and increased susceptibility of males to X-linked chromosomal
abnormalities.
Other host factors, such as the presence of radiosensitivity syndromes (ataxia-telangiectasia,
Fanconi anaemia) also alter the radiation reaction.
Finally, the amount of tissue in the organism that is irradiated can have a significant impact. If
the entire body is treated, then there can be no region spared and significant toxicity can result.
For example, bone marrow is one of the most sensitive tissues but is also able to re-establish
itself if sufficient bone marrow is left untouched. If the entire body is irradiated then there may be
insufficient surviving bone marrow stem cells for recovery to occur. This may be desirable but
can also occur radiological accidents or attacks.

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