A sign that mutation occurred in a person exposed to radiation in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 was
A)acute radiation sickness in the exposed person.
B)short DNA repeats in a child's genome that didn't match the size in either exposed parent.
C)increased rates of asthma and allergies in the exposed people and their children.
D)a child that failed an Ames test.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Short DNA repeats in a child's genome that didn't match the size in either exposed parent is a sign of new mutations in the child's genome that are not inherited from either parent. This is a known consequence of exposure to ionizing radiation and was seen in children born to exposed parents in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. Acute radiation sickness, increased rates of asthma and allergies, and failing an Ames test are not definitive signs of mutation.

A Sign That Mutation Occurred in a Person Exposed to Radiation