🔋college physics i – introduction review

key term - Hormesis

Definition

Hormesis is a biological phenomenon where beneficial effects result from exposure to low doses of an agent that is otherwise toxic or lethal when given at higher doses. In the context of ionizing radiation, hormesis suggests that low levels of radiation may activate repair mechanisms that protect against disease.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Hormesis proposes that small doses of ionizing radiation can stimulate cellular repair mechanisms, enhancing health and longevity.
  2. The concept challenges the linear no-threshold (LNT) model, which assumes any amount of radiation exposure carries risk.
  3. Studies supporting hormesis show improved immune responses and reduced cancer rates in organisms exposed to low-level radiation.
  4. Critics argue that the evidence for hormesis is not conclusive and call for more extensive research before revising safety standards.
  5. Understanding hormesis requires knowledge of dose-response relationships and how cells react to different levels of stressors.

Review Questions

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