Which option lists the four outcomes of radiation striking a human cell?

• A. Nothing, Cell repair
• B. Cell death, Cell mutation
• C. Nothing, Cell repair, Cell death, Cell mutation
• D. Nothing, Cell mutation

Answer: (C)

Radiation interacting with a cell can do nothing, repair itself, kill the cell, or cause mutations. The energy deposited can be so mild that no lasting effect occurs, or the cell’s repair systems can fix the damage and the cell returns to normal function. If the damage is severe or cannot be repaired, the cell may die to prevent the spread of damaged genetic material. If repair happens but introduces errors, mutations can result, which may alter how the cell behaves and can contribute to problems later on. These four outcomes together describe the full range of how a cell might respond to radiation, so this option that lists all four is the most complete and accurate.