Question

The most harmful effect of ionizing radiations precisely involves:
(A) Cell membranes
(B) DNA
(C) Mitochondria and ribosomes
(D) Nucleus

Answer 1

Hint: Various types of radiation usually target our genetic material, which is present in our nucleus, thus leading to severe mutations which can be harmful. One serious effect of such radiations is that they can be carcinogenic that can form cancer-forming cells.
Step by step solution:
Radiation is the broad term for energy that a source emits. The sun's heat or light, microwaves from an oven, X-rays from an X-ray tube, and gamma rays from radioactive materials are a few examples. Atoms can be ionised, or have their electrons removed, by ionising radiation. Ionizing radiation can harm cells and genetic material when it interacts with them (i.e., deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA). If this damage is not successfully repaired, the cell may die or the DNA may change in a way that is potentially hazardous (i.e., mutations).
Non-ionizing radiation causes atoms to vibrate, which can make them heat up, but it is not strong enough to directly alter the atomic structure or harm DNA. It can be hazardous when RF energy is very strong, such as from radar transmitters. The spectrum of ultraviolet (UV), visible light (VL), infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF), and very low frequency (ELF) is comprised of non-ionizing radiation (ELF). Frequencies in the UV, visible, and IR are where lasers frequently operate.
Cancer is brought on by DNA damage from ionising radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, and radioactive particles. However, it is unknown how this occurs or how many tumours are brought on by radiation damage. Its energy is sufficient to remove the electrons from an atom or, in the event of extremely high-energy radiation, disintegrate the atom's nucleus. Each ionisation produces energy, which the substance immediately around the ionised atom absorbs. Ionizing radiation concentrates a lot of energy in a tiny space.
Therefore, option (B) is correct.
Note: Longer wavelength/lower frequency non-ionizing radiation has lower energy. Ionizing radiation is higher energy and has short wavelengths and high frequencies. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to create ions at the molecular level in materials.