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GCSE Physics · key term
A change in genetic material within a cell.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 5.21, 6.29 · Paper 1
Revise: Harmful EffectsDamage to a cell's genetic material can produce a mutation. If mutations disrupt the control of cell division, cells may divide uncontrollably, so ultraviolet exposure can lead to skin cancer. Damage to the eyes can lead to eye conditions.
A change in the genetic material of a cell.
Specification P5.2h · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
A change in genetic material that can affect how a cell functions or divides.
Revise: Hazards of EM wavesSometimes damage to genetic material remains as a mutation. If that mutation affects how the cell divides, it can increase the risk of cancer. Harm is not determined by the wave type alone: it also depends on how much radiation reaches the tissue and how long the exposure lasts.
Match each radiation to the precise effect named in the specification: microwaves—internal heating; infrared—skin burns; ultraviolet—damage to surface cells and eyes; X-rays and gamma rays—mutation or cell damage.
Build the causal chain explicitly: ionising radiation ionises atoms, this damages cells or DNA, DNA damage can cause mutations, and some mutations may lead to cancer.
Do not say that exposure will definitely cause cancer. It increases the risk because mutations are possible.
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