Radiation safety and radiobiology: interphase death of lymphocytes: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Radiation safety and radiobiology: interphase death of lymphocytes

Sample item

Unlike most proliferating cells, which die when they try to divide, lymphocytes and oocytes die after low radiation doses without entering mitosis. What is this mode of death called?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Interphase (apoptotic) death

Highly radiosensitive cells such as lymphocytes, oocytes and some serous gland cells undergo apoptosis in interphase, within hours of exposure. Most other cells die at their next mitosis when damaged chromosomes cannot segregate.

Option by option

  • A. Senescence

    Senescence is permanent arrest of the cell cycle and not rapid cell death.

  • B. Interphase (apoptotic) death (correct)

    Correct. These cells trigger apoptosis soon after irradiation, before dividing.

  • C. Mitotic catastrophe

    Mitotic catastrophe is the death of dividing cells with damaged DNA at mitosis.

  • D. Necrosis by membrane rupture

    Necrosis from membrane rupture occurs with very high doses and is not the usual mode at low doses.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Interphase (apoptotic) death. Highly radiosensitive cells such as lymphocytes, oocytes and some serous gland cells undergo apoptosis in interphase, within hours of exposure.

Why is "Senescence" not the answer?

Senescence is permanent arrest of the cell cycle and not rapid cell death.

Why is "Mitotic catastrophe" not the answer?

Mitotic catastrophe is the death of dividing cells with damaged DNA at mitosis.

Why is "Necrosis by membrane rupture" not the answer?

Necrosis from membrane rupture occurs with very high doses and is not the usual mode at low doses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiation safety and radiobiology: interphase death of lymphocytes in Radiology. Most other cells die at their next mitosis when damaged chromosomes cannot segregate.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Radiation safety and radiobiology: interphase death of lymphocytes?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.