SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 593
Biophysics → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Which cellular effect is the most important mechanism of cell destruction following exposure to ionising radiation?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Alteration of osmotic balance
B
Cell-membrane injury
C
Lysosomal injury
D
Disruption of DNA
E
Mitochondrial injury
Explanation
Ionising radiation may damage cell membranes and produce osmotic, lysosomal and mitochondrial injury. However, disruption of DNA is the most important mechanism responsible for cell destruction.
Option Validity
A) Osmotic disturbance may occur but is not the principal mechanism of cell destruction.
B) Cell-membrane damage is recognised but is not the most important mechanism.
C) Lysosomal injury may contribute to cellular damage but is not the principal mechanism.
E) Mitochondrial injury may occur but DNA disruption is the key destructive effect.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 9: Biophysics, pp.278–279.