During radiotherapy, some ionising radiation reaches healthy tissue close to a tumour. A large number of cells in one small region are killed. A sperm cell survives, but its DNA is altered.
Which conclusion follows about the possible effects on the patient and a future child?
The healthy tissue should continue to work normally, although the DNA change could be passed to a child.
The healthy tissue should continue to work normally, and the DNA change would be limited to the patient.
The healthy tissue may work less effectively, and the DNA change could be passed to a child.
The healthy tissue may work less effectively, but the DNA change would be limited to the patient.
97 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 6.5 Uses and dangers of radioactivity, covering 6.5.1 Uses of radioactivity, 6.5.2 Dangers of ionising radiation and precautions, 6.5.3 Half-life and radiation dangers, 6.5.4 Safety precautions for radiation exposure, and 6.5.5 Contamination and irradiation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.