Textbook Question
Why are X rays more potent mutagens than UV radiation?
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Ch. 15 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Introduction to Genetics17
- Ch. 2 - Mitosis and Meiosis36
- Ch. 3 - Mendelian Genetics51
- Ch. 4 - Extensions of Mendelian Genetics74
- Ch. 5 - Chromosome Mapping in Eukaryotes51
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages46
- Ch. 7 - Sex Determination and Sex Chromosomes33
- Ch. 8 - Chromosome Mutations: Variation in Number and Arrangement40
- Ch. 9 - Extranuclear Inheritance31
- Ch. 10 - DNA Structure and Analysis43
- Ch. 11 - DNA Replication and Recombination44
- Ch. 12 - DNA Organization in Chromosomes30
- Ch. 13 - The Genetic Code and Transcription54
- Ch. 14 - Translation and Proteins47
- Ch. 15 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition41
- Ch. 16 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria29
- Ch. 17 - Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes41
- Ch. 18 - Post-transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes33
- Ch. 19 - Epigenetics33
- Ch. 20 - Recombinant DNA Technology44
- Ch. 21 - Genomic Analysis36
- Ch. 22 - Applications of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology36
- Ch. 23 - Developmental Genetics37
- Ch. 24 - Cancer Genetics34
- Ch. 25 - Quantitative Genetics and Multifactorial Traits54
- Ch. 26 - Population and Evolutionary Genetics45
Chapter 15, Problem 15
Mammography is an accurate screening technique for the early detection of breast cancer in humans. Because this technique uses X rays diagnostically, it has been highly controversial. Can you explain why? What reasons justify the use of X rays for such a medical screening technique?
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Understand that mammography uses X rays, which are a form of ionizing radiation capable of damaging DNA and potentially causing mutations that may lead to cancer.
Recognize the controversy arises because exposure to X rays, even at low doses, carries a risk of inducing cancer, creating a concern about the safety of repeated screenings.
Consider the risk-benefit analysis: while X rays have potential risks, mammography can detect breast cancer early, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Acknowledge that the justification for using X rays in mammography is based on the principle that the benefits of early cancer detection outweigh the relatively low risk of radiation-induced harm.
Note that modern mammography techniques use the lowest possible dose of X rays to minimize risk, and screening guidelines are designed to balance early detection benefits with minimizing unnecessary exposure.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Ionizing Radiation and DNA Damage
X rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate tissues and cause damage to DNA by creating breaks or mutations. This damage can potentially lead to cancer development, which raises concerns about the safety of repeated exposure during diagnostic procedures like mammography.
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Risk-Benefit Analysis in Medical Screening
Medical screening techniques like mammography are evaluated by weighing the risks of radiation exposure against the benefits of early cancer detection. Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates, often justifying the controlled use of X rays despite their risks.
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00:57Step 2
Radiation Dose and Safety Measures
Mammography uses low doses of X rays optimized to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining image quality. Safety protocols and technological advances help reduce risks, making the procedure safer and more acceptable for routine breast cancer screening.
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11:06Mathematical Measurements
Related Practice
Textbook Question
DNA damage brought on by a variety of natural and artificial agents elicits a wide variety of cellular responses involving numerous signaling pathways. In addition to the activation of DNA repair mechanisms, there can be activation of pathways leading to apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cell-cycle arrest. Why would apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest often be part of a cellular response to DNA damage?
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Textbook Question
Contrast the various types of DNA repair mechanisms known to counteract the effects of UV radiation. What is the role of visible light in repairing UV-induced mutations?
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Textbook Question
A significant number of mutations in the HBB gene that cause human β-thalassemia occur within introns or in upstream noncoding sequences. Explain why mutations in these regions often lead to severe disease, although they may not directly alter the coding regions of the gene.
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Textbook Question
Describe how the Ames test screens for potential environmental mutagens. Why is it thought that a compound that tests positively in the Ames test may also be carcinogenic?
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Textbook Question
What genetic defects result in the disorder xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) in humans? How do these defects create the phenotypes associated with the disorder?
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