Tissue and organ sensitivity to radiation is determined by

• A. Age of patient
• B. Susceptibility of the cells the tissue contains
• C. Blood type
• D. Water intake

Answer: (B)

Radiosensitivity hinges on the cells that make up the tissue. Tissues composed of cells that divide rapidly, are less differentiated, and have high metabolic activity are more easily harmed by radiation because DNA damage during replication can lead to cell death or dysfunction. Conversely, tissues with mature, slowly dividing cells are more resistant. So, the inherent susceptibility of the tissue’s cells determines how sensitive the tissue is to radiation. Factors like age, blood type, or water intake don’t set this intrinsic sensitivity—age isn’t a universal predictor of tissue radiosensitivity, blood type has no effect, and hydration doesn’t change how readily cells respond to radiation.