Which statement best distinguishes somatic from genetic effects?

Which statement best distinguishes somatic from genetic effects?

• A. Somatic effects are observed in offspring; Genetic effects occur in the exposed person
• B. Somatic effects are observed in the exposed person; Genetic effects can be passed to offspring
• C. Both affect only future generations
• D. Neither has health impact

Answer: (B)

Somatic versus genetic effects hinge on who is affected and when. Somatic effects appear in the person who is exposed and can show up soon after exposure—such as skin changes, radiation sickness, or increased cancer risk in the exposed individual. Genetic effects are changes in the germ cells that can be passed to offspring, potentially affecting future generations even if the parent does not show any health symptoms. So the best distinguishing statement is that somatic effects are observed in the exposed person, while genetic effects can be passed to offspring. The other options mix up who is affected or when, or claim there’s no health impact, which contradicts how radiation can affect both the individual and future generations.

Somatic versus genetic effects hinge on who is affected and when. Somatic effects appear in the person who is exposed and can show up soon after exposure—such as skin changes, radiation sickness, or increased cancer risk in the exposed individual. Genetic effects are changes in the germ cells that can be passed to offspring, potentially affecting future generations even if the parent does not show any health symptoms. So the best distinguishing statement is that somatic effects are observed in the exposed person, while genetic effects can be passed to offspring. The other options mix up who is affected or when, or claim there’s no health impact, which contradicts how radiation can affect both the individual and future generations.