X-rays and Mutagenesis: Understanding DNA Damage and Cancer Risk

X-rays are a type of ionizing radiation, meaning they can knock electrons off atoms, thus altering the structure and function of molecules and DNA. When X-rays interact with DNA, they can cause various types of damage, including single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, and base modifications, such as the conversion of guanine to thymine. These DNA alterations can lead to mutations and chromosomal aberrations, ultimately increasing the risk of diseases like cancer.