Radiation can damage DNA molecules in three ways: by causing a
single strand break, a break in both strands, or a chemical
change or mutation. A single strand break can often be repaired
by the cell. The other two types of damage usually cannot be
repaired. Click on image for full size Can living cells repair
damage from radiation? Whether or not a cell can repair itself
after being damaged by radiation depends on the type of damage
to the cell's DNA. | Type of Damage || Prospects for DNA Repair
| Single strand break in the DNA ||Can usually be repaired and
normal cell function restored. | Breaks in both DNA strands
||Usually damage is too severe for repair. The cell dies. |
Chemical change or mutation ||Cannot be repaired. Cancer may
result or a mutated offspring if this occurs in a sperm or egg
cell. Cells (such as those contained in the skin, eyes and
blood-forming organs [BFO]) that reproduce rapidly are the most
susceptible to damage because they cannot repair themselves
easily while replicating. Accepta