Which term describes effects that manifest in the offspring of the exposed individual?

Which term describes effects that manifest in the offspring of the exposed individual?

• A. Somatic
• B. ARS
• C. Radiation infections
• D. Genetic

Answer: (D)

Genetic effects are those that are passed to future generations through germ cells. When radiation damages DNA in sperm or eggs, mutations can be inherited by offspring, so the resulting effects appear in the next generation rather than in the person who was exposed. Somatic effects, by contrast, occur in the irradiated individual and are not inherited. Acute radiation syndrome is an example of a somatic effect. “Radiation infections” isn’t a standard term in this context. Thus, the effects described as appearing in the offspring are genetic.

Genetic effects are those that are passed to future generations through germ cells. When radiation damages DNA in sperm or eggs, mutations can be inherited by offspring, so the resulting effects appear in the next generation rather than in the person who was exposed. Somatic effects, by contrast, occur in the irradiated individual and are not inherited. Acute radiation syndrome is an example of a somatic effect. “Radiation infections” isn’t a standard term in this context. Thus, the effects described as appearing in the offspring are genetic.