Question

Cancer cells are more easily damaged by radiation than normal cells because they are

• A. Different in structure
• B. Non-dividing
• C. Starved of nutrients
• D. Undergoing rapid division.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Undergoing rapid division.

Cancer cells are easily damaged by radiation as they are undergoing rapid division. Moreover, since cancer cells are less organized than healthy cells, it is harder for them to repair the damage done by radiation. So cancer cells are more easily destroyed by radiation, while healthy, normal cells are better able to repair themselves and survive the treatment.