Question

Nuclear radiation can damage cell tissue depending on the length and intensity of exposure. Which of the following statements describes one damaging effect of nuclear radiation on cell tissue?

A) Nuclear radiation ionizes water molecules, which ionize and damage DNA molecules in the cells.

B) Nuclear radiation intensely heats the molecules in a cell, causing the DNA double helix to denature.

C) Nuclear radiation penetrates cell tissue, but does not damage molecules in the cells.

D) Nuclear radiation causes the molecules in a cell to absorb photons, which breaks down DNA molecules.

Answer 1