Based on animal experimentation, which statements about genetic effects from ionizing radiation are supported?

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 3
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1, 2, 3

Answer: (C)

Ionizing radiation can cause heritable genetic changes when germ cells are affected, and the frequency of these mutations generally increases with dose in animal studies. Many radiation-induced mutations are recessive, so they may not appear in the first generation and can require subsequent generations to be observed. Some heritable effects arise from chromosomal aberrations that disrupt gene function or dosage. With this in mind, statements that assert germline mutations occur and that mutation frequency rises with dose are typically supported by animal data, while statements claiming all effects are only somatic or that every change is immediately evident in the first generation are not.

To determine why a specific combination is correct, I’d need the exact wording of statements 1, 2, and 3. Please share them, and I’ll explain why the chosen combination fits.