Radiation biology: 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 biology

Sample item

Which cell type is the most radiosensitive?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Lymphocyte

According to the law of Bergonie and Tribondeau, cells that divide rapidly and are undifferentiated are most radiosensitive. Lymphocytes are an exception because they undergo apoptosis even at low doses. Neurons and muscle cells are highly radioresistant.

Option by option

  • A. Neuron

    Neurons do not divide and are highly resistant.

  • B. Mature bone cell

    Mature bone cells are relatively resistant.

  • C. Muscle cell

    Muscle cells are differentiated and resistant.

  • D. Lymphocyte (correct)

    Correct. Lymphocytes die readily after low doses of radiation.

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.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, Lymphocyte. According to the law of Bergonie and Tribondeau, cells that divide rapidly and are undifferentiated are most radiosensitive.

Why is "Neuron" not the answer?

Neurons do not divide and are highly resistant.

Why is "Mature bone cell" not the answer?

Mature bone cells are relatively resistant.

Why is "Muscle cell" not the answer?

Muscle cells are differentiated and resistant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiation biology in Radiology. Lymphocytes are an exception because they undergo apoptosis even at low doses. Neurons and muscle cells are highly radioresistant.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 biology?

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.