Summary:
- Cobalt-60 is a common radiation source, as is cesium-137.
- The major effect of ionizing radiation on the cell is the disruption of the DNA strand.
- With the DNA structure damaged, the cell cannot reproduce in its normal fashion.
- Protein synthesis is affected, as are a number of processes necessary for proper cell function.
- One common effect is the generation of cancer cells.
- These cells have an abnormal structure due to the damaged DNA.
- In addition, they usually grow rapidly since the normal control processes regulating cell growth have been changed.