THE EFFECTS OF RADIOACTIVE RADIATION ON LIVING TISSUES

Аннотация

Radioactive radiation is a powerful physical factor that exerts both direct and indirect effects on living tissues. Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation interact with matter by ionizing atoms and molecules, which causes significant damage to cellular structures. Ionizing radiation is particularly hazardous as it can break DNA strands, induce genetic mutations, disrupt the cell cycle, and trigger apoptosis. These processes may lead to the development of cancer, immunesystem suppression, hematologicdisorders, and other serious pathologies This topic provides a comprehensive analysis of the types of radioactive radiation, their physical characteristics, and their molecular mechanisms of interaction with biological tissues. It also examines short- and long-term exposure effects, sensitivity variations based on age and genetics, and the cumulative risks of radiation. The scientific insights from this analysis contribute to improving preventive strategies, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and ensuring radiation safety. Additionally, the topic covers protective equipment, individual dosimetry, cellular resistance mechanisms, and international safety regulations. Keywords:radioactive radiation, alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, ionizing radiation, cell structure, DNA damage, cellular mutation, free radicals, apoptosis, cancer, genetic alterations, tissue regeneration, radiation dose, biological effect, radiation sickness, protective equipment, molecularanalysis, radiation safety, international standards Radioactive radiation is a stream of energetic particles or waves released as a result of changes occurring at the nuclear level of a substance. These radiations are divided into alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) types. Alpha radiation is a heavy particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, which has a high ionizing ability, but a very low penetration depth. They can only be blocked by paper or human skin, but if they hit internal organs, they can cause serious biological damage. Betaradiation is a stream ofhigh-energy electrons or positrons, which move more easily and actively than alpha particles. They penetrate the surface tissues of the body and have an ionizing effect at the molecular level. Gamma radiation is in the form of electromagnetic waves and has the highest absorption, that is, it reaches the inner layers of the human body. Gamma radiation is fully ionizing radiation that can damage DNA, alter the cell page1976 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue05,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai cycle, and cause cancer. All three types of radiation pose varying degrees of risk to living tissue, withtheir effects depending ondose, time, tissuetype, andindividualsusceptibility. The effect of radioactive radiation on the cells and tissues of a living organism depends mainly on its ionizing properties. When radiation ionizes molecules of a substance, atoms lose or gain electrons, which seriously disrupts the chemical composition and biological functions. First of all, the DNA molecule located in the cell nucleus is damaged by radiation. Alpha, beta and gamma particles enter the cell and break DNA chains, change molecules or cause genetic mutations. As a result of these mutations, the cell loses its ability to divide normally, the structures of the nucleus and cytoplasm are deformed, protein synthesis is disrupted, and as a result, the cell cannot perform its functions. If this happens in many cells, dysfunction occurs in the entire tissue or organ. Another important effect of radiation is the formation of free radicals in the body. These radicals increase oxidative stress and damage cell membranes, mitochondria and other organelles. Rapidly dividing cells, especially blood cells, intestinal epithelial cells, and germ cells, are very sensitive to radiation. These processes also weaken the immune system, reduce regeneration capabilities, and make the body vulnerable to various diseases. Depending on the dose of radiation exposure, cell death, apoptosis, necrosis, or permanent disruption of cell function occurs. Low-dose exposure can cause dangerous diseases such as cancer even after many years. High doses cause severe pathological conditions in a short period of time. The strength ofthe biological effect depends ontheage, genetic reserve, general health, and thetype ofradiation being exposed. The effects of radioactive radiation on human health vary depending on the dose, duration, and individual characteristics of the body. Short-term exposure to high doses of radiation usually causes acute radiation syndrome. The initial symptoms of this syndrome include weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and loss of appetite. If the body receives a large dose, these symptoms can quickly lead to nervous disorders, disruption of the functioning of internal organs, and even death