Radiation-induced genetic damage is transmitted to which of the following?

Radiation-induced genetic damage is transmitted to which of the following?

• A. The irradiated individual
• B. Future offspring
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that hereditary changes are passed only through germ cells—eggs and sperm. Radiation can cause mutations or chromosomal damage in these germ cells. If such germline damage occurs, it becomes part of the genetic material that is delivered to the offspring at conception, so the mutation can appear in future generations. Damage confined to somatic (body) cells of the irradiated person doesn’t get into the reproductive cells, so it isn’t inherited by children. Therefore, radiation-induced genetic damage is transmitted to future offspring, not to the irradiated individual themselves.

The key idea is that hereditary changes are passed only through germ cells—eggs and sperm. Radiation can cause mutations or chromosomal damage in these germ cells. If such germline damage occurs, it becomes part of the genetic material that is delivered to the offspring at conception, so the mutation can appear in future generations. Damage confined to somatic (body) cells of the irradiated person doesn’t get into the reproductive cells, so it isn’t inherited by children. Therefore, radiation-induced genetic damage is transmitted to future offspring, not to the irradiated individual themselves.