In the five-step chain, what step directly follows Ionization?

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Multiple Choice

In the five-step chain, what step directly follows Ionization?

When ionizing radiation interacts with tissue, the immediate result is the disruption of molecular bonds, creating ions and reactive free radicals. This leads to chemical changes in the cellular environment, such as alterations to DNA, lipids, and proteins. Those chemical changes set off cellular responses (repair, apoptosis, etc.), which can then lead to clinical effects if damage accumulates. Photon emission isn’t the direct next step in this sequence, so the step that directly follows ionization is the chemical change caused by the created ions and radicals.

When ionizing radiation interacts with tissue, the immediate result is the disruption of molecular bonds, creating ions and reactive free radicals. This leads to chemical changes in the cellular environment, such as alterations to DNA, lipids, and proteins. Those chemical changes set off cellular responses (repair, apoptosis, etc.), which can then lead to clinical effects if damage accumulates. Photon emission isn’t the direct next step in this sequence, so the step that directly follows ionization is the chemical change caused by the created ions and radicals.

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