Which statement describes the effect of irradiation on immune cells?

Which statement describes the effect of irradiation on immune cells?

• A. It suppresses cell division.
• B. It kills red blood cells.
• C. It increases antibody production.
• D. It enhances phagocytosis.

Answer: (A)

Ionizing irradiation damages DNA and triggers cell cycle arrest and cell death, especially in rapidly dividing cells. Immune cells, such as lymphocytes and bone marrow precursors, are highly radiosensitive, so exposure leads to a reduced ability to proliferate and respond to immune challenges. This is why the statement describing irradiation as suppressing cell division best captures its effect on immune cells. It doesn’t primarily kill mature red blood cells, and it doesn’t boost antibody production or enhance phagocytosis; instead, immune function is generally diminished due to fewer proliferating immune cells.

Ionizing irradiation damages DNA and triggers cell cycle arrest and cell death, especially in rapidly dividing cells. Immune cells, such as lymphocytes and bone marrow precursors, are highly radiosensitive, so exposure leads to a reduced ability to proliferate and respond to immune challenges. This is why the statement describing irradiation as suppressing cell division best captures its effect on immune cells. It doesn’t primarily kill mature red blood cells, and it doesn’t boost antibody production or enhance phagocytosis; instead, immune function is generally diminished due to fewer proliferating immune cells.