Cellular effects of radiation MCQs Radiology

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 14, 2024

1. The primary target of radiation damage in cells is typically the:
a) Nucleus
b) Cytoplasm
c) Cell membrane
d) Mitochondria
Answer: a) Nucleus


2. The “direct effect” of radiation occurs when:
a) Radiation interacts directly with cellular DNA
b) Radiation affects surrounding cells
c) Cellular damage is repaired by neighboring cells
d) Radiation interacts with water molecules in the cell
Answer: a) Radiation interacts directly with cellular DNA


3. The “indirect effect” of radiation involves:
a) The formation of free radicals that damage DNA
b) Direct damage to the DNA molecule
c) Alteration of the cell membrane
d) Immediate cell death without DNA damage
Answer: a) The formation of free radicals that damage DNA


4. The “radiation-induced mutation” in DNA can lead to:
a) Alterations in cellular function and potential carcinogenesis
b) Immediate cell death
c) Increased cellular repair mechanisms
d) Increased sensitivity to radiation
Answer: a) Alterations in cellular function and potential carcinogenesis


5. The “cell survival curve” illustrates:
a) The fraction of cells surviving after exposure to various radiation doses
b) The total amount of radiation absorbed by cells
c) The energy of radiation beams
d) The time taken for cells to repair radiation damage
Answer: a) The fraction of cells surviving after exposure to various radiation doses


6. “Cellular repair mechanisms” are responsible for:
a) Fixing damage caused by radiation to DNA and cellular structures
b) Increasing the severity of radiation effects
c) Enhancing radiation-induced damage
d) Preventing the formation of free radicals
Answer: a) Fixing damage caused by radiation to DNA and cellular structures


7. The term “radiation-induced apoptosis” refers to:
a) Programmed cell death triggered by radiation damage
b) Immediate cell repair after radiation exposure
c) The formation of new cells in response to radiation
d) The activation of cellular repair mechanisms
Answer: a) Programmed cell death triggered by radiation damage


8. The “bystander effect” occurs when:
a) Non-irradiated cells exhibit damage due to signals from irradiated cells
b) Cells adjacent to the irradiated area are protected from damage
c) Radiation effects are limited to the irradiated cells only
d) Cells repair damage without external influence
Answer: a) Non-irradiated cells exhibit damage due to signals from irradiated cells


9. The “target theory” in radiobiology suggests that:
a) Radiation damages a critical target within the cell, leading to cell death
b) Radiation effects are uniformly distributed throughout the cell
c) All cellular components are equally affected by radiation
d) The cell membrane is the primary target for radiation
Answer: a) Radiation damages a critical target within the cell, leading to cell death


10. The “linear no-threshold” (LNT) model implies that:
a) Any amount of radiation has the potential to cause damage, regardless of dose
b) There is a safe threshold below which radiation has no effect
c) Only high doses of radiation are harmful
d) Radiation damage increases only with high doses
Answer: a) Any amount of radiation has the potential to cause damage, regardless of dose


11. The “oxygen effect” refers to:
a) Increased radiation damage to cells in the presence of oxygen
b) Decreased sensitivity of cells to radiation when oxygen is present
c) The role of oxygen in cellular repair processes
d) The effect of oxygen on radiation dose distribution
Answer: a) Increased radiation damage to cells in the presence of oxygen


12. “Radiosensitivity” of cells is determined by:
a) The phase of the cell cycle and the type of tissue
b) The amount of oxygen in the tissue
c) The total dose of radiation received
d) The time over which radiation is administered
Answer: a) The phase of the cell cycle and the type of tissue


13. The “fractionation” of radiation therapy helps to:
a) Reduce normal tissue damage by spreading out radiation doses
b) Increase the total dose delivered in a single session
c) Shorten the duration of radiation therapy
d) Enhance the energy of the radiation beam
Answer: a) Reduce normal tissue damage by spreading out radiation doses


14. The “linear quadratic model” describes:
a) The relationship between radiation dose and biological effects, considering both linear and quadratic effects
b) The linear increase in damage with dose
c) The quadratic relationship between radiation dose and repair mechanisms
d) The total dose required for effective radiation therapy
Answer: a) The relationship between radiation dose and biological effects, considering both linear and quadratic effects


15. The “radiation dose-response relationship” typically shows:
a) The correlation between dose and biological effect, with increased dose leading to increased damage
b) The total amount of radiation absorbed by the tissue
c) The distribution of radiation dose within a specific area
d) The rate of decay of radiation
Answer: a) The correlation between dose and biological effect, with increased dose leading to increased damage


16. “Cell cycle radiosensitivity” is highest during:
a) The M phase (mitosis)
b) The S phase (DNA synthesis)
c) The G1 phase
d) The G2 phase
Answer: a) The M phase (mitosis)


17. The “radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations” are:
a) Structural changes in chromosomes due to radiation damage
b) The formation of new chromosomes in response to radiation
c) Alterations in the DNA sequence without physical changes to chromosomes
d) Immediate cell death without chromosomal changes
Answer: a) Structural changes in chromosomes due to radiation damage


18. “Radiation-induced fibrosis” involves:
a) The formation of excessive fibrous connective tissue in response to radiation damage
b) The loss of cellular function due to radiation
c) Immediate skin damage from high radiation doses
d) The increased repair capacity of irradiated cells
Answer: a) The formation of excessive fibrous connective tissue in response to radiation damage


19. The “radiosensitivity” of a cell line is typically measured by:
a) The ability of cells to survive after radiation exposure
b) The total amount of radiation delivered to the cells
c) The rate at which cells repair radiation-induced damage
d) The duration of radiation therapy
Answer: a) The ability of cells to survive after radiation exposure


20. “Theoretical cell damage” refers to:
a) The predicted damage to cells based on radiation dose and type
b) Actual observed damage in cells after radiation exposure
c) The total amount of radiation delivered to cells
d) The repair mechanisms activated in response to radiation
Answer: a) The predicted damage to cells based on radiation dose and type


21. “Radiation-induced gene mutations” can lead to:
a) Alterations in gene function and potential for disease
b) Immediate cell death without genetic changes
c) Increased cellular repair mechanisms
d) Enhanced radiation sensitivity
Answer: a) Alterations in gene function and potential for disease


22. “Cellular response to radiation” depends on:
a) The dose and type of radiation received
b) The energy of the radiation beam
c) The total duration of radiation exposure
d) The specific type of imaging equipment used
Answer: a) The dose and type of radiation received


23. The “cellular repair capacity” after radiation exposure is influenced by:
a) The type of radiation and the extent of damage
b) The age of the patient
c) The dose of radiation administered
d) The time of day radiation is administered
Answer: a) The type of radiation and the extent of damage


24. “Radiosensitivity” varies with:
a) The type of tissue and phase of the cell cycle
b) The amount of radiation delivered
c) The type of imaging technique used
d) The duration of radiation therapy
Answer: a) The type of tissue and phase of the cell cycle


25. The “radiation dose threshold” for biological effects indicates:
a) The minimum dose at which biological damage becomes observable
b) The maximum dose that can be administered safely
c) The total dose of radiation delivered during therapy
d) The rate at which radiation damage is repaired
Answer: a) The minimum dose at which biological damage becomes observable


26. “Radiation-induced cellular apoptosis” results in:
a) Programmed cell death as a response to severe radiation damage
b) Increased cell proliferation
c) Enhanced cellular repair mechanisms
d) Immediate repair of radiation damage
Answer: a) Programmed cell death as a response to severe radiation damage


27. The “radiation-induced oxidative stress” leads to:
a) The production of free radicals that damage cellular components
b) Increased cellular repair mechanisms
c) Decreased sensitivity to radiation
d) Immediate cell death without oxidative stress
Answer: a) The production of free radicals that damage cellular components


28. The “radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks” are:
a) Severe forms of DNA damage that can lead to cell death or mutations
b) Minor alterations in DNA structure
c) Immediate cellular repair without damage
d) Changes in DNA sequence without strand breaks
Answer: a) Severe forms of DNA damage that can lead to cell death or mutations


29. “Radiation-induced cellular necrosis” refers to:
a) The death of cells due to acute and severe radiation damage
b) The activation of cellular repair mechanisms
c) The formation of new cells in response to radiation
d) Increased sensitivity of cells to radiation
Answer: a) The death of cells due to acute and severe radiation damage


30. The “radiation-induced cell cycle arrest” occurs when:
a) Cells stop dividing in response to DNA damage
b) Cells continue to divide despite radiation damage
c) Radiation damage is immediately repaired
d) Cells undergo apoptosis without cell cycle changes
Answer: a) Cells stop dividing in response to DNA damage


31. The “radiation dose-response curve” typically shows:
a) The relationship between the dose of radiation and the biological response of cells
b) The total dose of radiation administered
c) The energy of radiation beams
d) The duration of radiation exposure
Answer: a) The relationship between the dose of radiation and the biological response of cells


32. “Cellular radiosensitivity” is generally higher in:
a) Cells that are rapidly dividing
b) Cells that are in the resting phase
c) Cells with high repair capacity
d) Cells with minimal exposure to radiation
Answer: a) Cells that are rapidly dividing


33. The “radiation-induced chromosomal instability” can lead to:
a) Persistent chromosomal abnormalities and increased cancer risk
b) Immediate repair of chromosomal damage
c) Increased cellular proliferation
d) Decreased sensitivity to radiation
Answer: a) Persistent chromosomal abnormalities and increased cancer risk


34. The “radiation-induced cell damage” can be classified into:
a) Immediate and delayed effects
b) Acute and chronic effects
c) Stochastic and deterministic effects
d) Direct and indirect effects
Answer: d) Direct and indirect effects


35. “Radiation-induced cellular senescence” is characterized by:
a) Permanent cessation of cell division in response to radiation damage
b) Increased cell proliferation
c) Enhanced cellular repair mechanisms
d) Immediate cell death
Answer: a) Permanent cessation of cell division in response to radiation damage


36. The “radiation-induced cell death” is more likely to occur when:
a) Cells receive high doses of radiation
b) Cells are exposed to low doses of radiation
c) Cells are actively repairing damage
d) Cells are in a resting phase
Answer: a) Cells receive high doses of radiation


37. “Radiation-induced genetic instability” refers to:
a) The increased likelihood of genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities
b) Immediate repair of genetic damage
c) Enhanced sensitivity of cells to radiation
d) Decreased likelihood of cancer development
Answer: a) The increased likelihood of genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities


38. “Theoretical cell damage models” help to:
a) Predict potential biological effects of radiation based on dose and type
b) Measure actual observed damage in cells
c) Calculate the total dose administered during therapy
d) Assess the energy of radiation beams
Answer: a) Predict potential biological effects of radiation based on dose and type


39. The “radiation-induced mutagenesis” can lead to:
a) Alterations in cellular DNA that may cause cancer or other diseases
b) Immediate repair of radiation-induced damage
c) Increased cellular repair efficiency
d) Enhanced sensitivity to radiation
Answer: a) Alterations in cellular DNA that may cause cancer or other diseases


40. The “radiation dose-response relationship” is useful for:
a) Understanding the correlation between dose and biological effects
b) Measuring the total dose of radiation delivered
c) Assessing the energy of radiation beams
d) Calculating the time of radiation exposure
Answer: a) Understanding the correlation between dose and biological effects


41. “Cellular repair mechanisms” are crucial for:
a) Restoring normal function and structure after radiation damage
b) Increasing radiation damage
c) Enhancing the severity of radiation effects
d) Preventing cell death
Answer: a) Restoring normal function and structure after radiation damage


42. “Radiation-induced apoptosis” is most likely to occur in:
a) Cells with severe DNA damage that cannot be repaired
b) Cells that have fully repaired their damage
c) Cells with minimal exposure to radiation
d) Cells in the resting phase
Answer: a) Cells with severe DNA damage that cannot be repaired


43. “Cellular radiosensitivity” is typically lower in:
a) Cells with enhanced DNA repair capabilities
b) Cells that are actively dividing
c) Cells with minimal repair mechanisms
d) Cells exposed to high doses of radiation
Answer: a) Cells with enhanced DNA repair capabilities


44. The “radiation-induced free radicals” primarily cause damage to:
a) Cellular DNA and other macromolecules
b) The cell membrane only
c) The surrounding non-irradiated cells
d) The energy of radiation beams
Answer: a) Cellular DNA and other macromolecules


45. The “cell survival curve” is used to:
a) Assess the effectiveness of radiation therapy by measuring cell survival
b) Calculate the total radiation dose delivered
c) Determine the energy of radiation beams
d) Measure the duration of radiation therapy
Answer: a) Assess the effectiveness of radiation therapy by measuring cell survival


46. “Radiosensitivity” varies according to:
a) The phase of the cell cycle and tissue type
b) The total dose of radiation administered
c) The energy of radiation beams
d) The duration of radiation exposure
Answer: a) The phase of the cell cycle and tissue type


47. “Radiation-induced cell cycle arrest” can lead to:
a) The prevention of cell division and proliferation
b) Increased cell proliferation
c) Enhanced cellular repair mechanisms
d) Immediate apoptosis
Answer: a) The prevention of cell division and proliferation


48. “Radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations” are indicative of:
a) Severe DNA damage and potential carcinogenesis
b) Minor alterations in cellular function
c) Immediate repair of radiation damage
d) Enhanced cell proliferation
Answer: a) Severe DNA damage and potential carcinogenesis


49. The “radiosensitivity of tissues” is affected by:
a) The cell type, tissue type, and phase of the cell cycle
b) The amount of oxygen in the tissue
c) The total dose of radiation administered
d) The duration of radiation therapy
Answer: a) The cell type, tissue type, and phase of the cell cycle


50. “Radiation-induced cellular stress responses” can result in:
a) Increased production of repair proteins and antioxidants
b) Immediate cell death without stress responses
c) Decreased sensitivity to radiation
d) Enhanced cell proliferation
Answer: a) Increased production of repair proteins and antioxidants