What is the effect of radiation exposure to reproductive cells called?

• A. Somatic Effect
• B. Genetic Effect
• C. Prenatal Effect
• D. Germline Mutation

Answer: (B)

Genetic effects describe changes that can be passed from one generation to the next when germ cells are damaged by radiation. When reproductive cells are exposed, mutations or other heritable alterations can occur, potentially appearing in offspring. That broad concept—the hereditary, or genetic, consequences of germ-cell irradiation—is what the term refers to, making it the best fit.

Germline mutation is a specific example of a genetic effect, but the question points to the general idea of hereditary changes from germ-cell exposure. Somatic effects affect only the irradiated individual, while prenatal effects relate to effects on a fetus due to exposure during pregnancy.