Why can X-rays and ultraviolet rays harm living organisms?
AThey raise the temperature of the whole body
BThey are reflected by the surface of the skin
CThey penetrate tissues and damage cells and DNA
DThey are absorbed strongly by chlorophyll a
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. They penetrate tissues and damage cells and DNA
1. X-rays and ultraviolet rays sit at the short-wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. Short waves carry the most energy, so these are higher-energy waves.
3. Higher-energy waves can penetrate tissues and damage cells and DNA.
4. That penetration and damage is what makes them harmful to living organisms.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 8 "Photosynthesis", section 8.2 The Light-Dependent Reactions of Photosynthesis_
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