What do genetic effects of radiation primarily damage?

Genetic effects of radiation primarily damage reproductive cells. This is because these cells, also known as germ cells, are responsible for the transmission of genetic information to offspring. When radiation interacts with these cells, it can cause changes or mutations in the DNA. If such changes occur, they can be passed on to future generations, leading to potential hereditary effects.

In contrast, somatic cells, which make up most of the body’s tissues and organs, can also be damaged by radiation, but such effects do not pass to future generations. Damage to nervous tissue and muscle tissue typically results in somatic effects, impacting the individual but not affecting their progeny. Therefore, the emphasis on reproductive cells shows the unique nature of genetic effects compared to other types of cellular damage caused by radiation exposure.