Ionizing radiation emission

Ionizing radiation emission is the process by which unstable atoms or subatomic particles release energy with enough force to ionize atoms or molecules in biological tissue. Types of ionizing radiation include X-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. Ionizing radiation can break chemical bonds directly or generate highly reactive free radicals through interactions with water or other molecules, leading to DNA damage, mutagenesis, cell death, and carcinogenesis. Its biological effects depend on amount (dose), dose rate, type of radiation, and tissue sensitivity. Radiation is used therapeutically (e.g., in cancer radiotherapy), but "ionizing radiation emission" itself is not a discrete biological drug target or endogenous molecule and thus does not fit into pharmacological or molecular target frameworks.

Other names

ionizing radiationIRionizing radiation exposureradiation