If reproductive cells are damaged and it is passed on to the next generation, they are called what?

• A. Somatic Effects
• B. Acute Exposure
• C. Dose Rate
• D. Genetic Effects

Answer: (D)

Genetic effects are heritable changes in DNA that can be passed on to future generations. When germ cells—reproductive cells like sperm or eggs—are damaged, the resulting genetic alterations can be inherited by offspring, potentially affecting their health or traits. This distinguishes genetic effects from problems that affect only the exposed individual. Somatic effects involve body cells that are not passed to offspring, so they don’t become part of the next generation. Acute exposure refers to a high dose delivered in a short time and describes timing, not inheritance. Dose rate describes how quickly radiation is delivered, not whether changes are inherited.