What effect does radiation have on living organisms?

Radiation, specifically ionizing radiation, has significant effects on living organisms, and the correct response highlights one of the critical mechanisms of its interaction with biological tissues.

When radiation passes through living tissues, it has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which leads to ionization. This ionization can cause damage to the cellular structures, including DNA, which can result in mutations, cell death, or cancer. The process of ionization can disrupt normal biological functions, leading to a variety of health issues depending on the level and type of radiation exposure.

Understanding this mechanism is vital, as it emphasizes the potential dangers associated with exposure to ionizing radiation, unlike non-ionizing radiation, which typically does not have the energy to cause such significant biological disruption. Other options do not accurately represent the effects of radiation on living tissues. For instance, radiation does not always heal cells, nor does it enhance cellular activity; instead, it can lead to harmful changes. Furthermore, all biological tissues, including water-based tissues, are susceptible to the damaging effects of ionization.