Which statement about genetic effects is true?

Which statement about genetic effects is true?

• A. They affect the exposed individual during life
• B. They are observed only in the irradiated tissue
• C. They are inherited and affect offspring
• D. They are not related to dose

Answer: (C)

Genetic effects are mutations that can be passed from parents to their offspring, so they are inherited and can affect future generations. These arise when germ cells (sperm or ova) are damaged by radiation; even if the irradiated individual shows no effects, the mutation can be transmitted to children. That’s why the true statement is that these effects are inherited and affect offspring. The other ideas describe somatic effects of radiation (affecting the irradiated person during life or only in the irradiated tissue) or claim there’s no relationship with dose, which isn’t correct because the likelihood of germline mutations increases with dose.

Genetic effects are mutations that can be passed from parents to their offspring, so they are inherited and can affect future generations. These arise when germ cells (sperm or ova) are damaged by radiation; even if the irradiated individual shows no effects, the mutation can be transmitted to children. That’s why the true statement is that these effects are inherited and affect offspring. The other ideas describe somatic effects of radiation (affecting the irradiated person during life or only in the irradiated tissue) or claim there’s no relationship with dose, which isn’t correct because the likelihood of germline mutations increases with dose.