Cells most susceptible to radiation damage are?

Bone marrow cells are most susceptible to radiation damage due to several key factors related to their biological characteristics and functions. Bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells, which are responsible for the production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These stem cells are highly proliferative, meaning they divide and grow rapidly.

Radiation primarily affects cells that are dividing or proliferating, as radiation damage to DNA is more likely to occur during cell division. Given that bone marrow cells are constantly undergoing cycles of division to replace the blood cells in circulation, they present a significant target for radiation exposure. This sensitivity is particularly critical since damage to these cells can lead to severe impacts on the immune system, oxygen transport, and overall body function.

In contrast, nerve cells and mature bone cells generally do not divide frequently, rendering them less vulnerable to radiation-induced damage. Muscle cells also have a lower turnover rate and are not subject to the same level of radiation sensitivity as rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow. This understanding of cellular behavior underlines the importance of protective measures in environments where radiation exposure is a risk, particularly concerning populations that might be exposed to high levels of radiation.