An example of a somatic effect?

An example of a somatic effect?

• A. Cataracts in irradiated lens
• B. Birth defects in offspring
• C. Genetic mutation in germ cells
• D. Hair color inherited

Answer: (A)

Somatic effects occur in the person who receives the radiation and are not passed to offspring. Cataracts in the irradiated lens are a classic somatic effect because the damage happens in the individual's eye tissue from exposure, producing cataracts without involving germ cells or inheritance. Birth defects in offspring and genetic mutations in germ cells are genetic effects, meaning they can be inherited. Hair color inherited is a hereditary trait and not a specific radiation-induced somatic outcome. So, cataracts in the irradiated lens best illustrate a somatic effect.

Somatic effects occur in the person who receives the radiation and are not passed to offspring. Cataracts in the irradiated lens are a classic somatic effect because the damage happens in the individual's eye tissue from exposure, producing cataracts without involving germ cells or inheritance. Birth defects in offspring and genetic mutations in germ cells are genetic effects, meaning they can be inherited. Hair color inherited is a hereditary trait and not a specific radiation-induced somatic outcome. So, cataracts in the irradiated lens best illustrate a somatic effect.