How ionising radiation affect the cell, DNA and can lead to tumours /leukaemia?

nothing too complex please
note form will be fine, in which I can use it in my explanation.
if you can please put it in your own words as I find it much easier to understand and explain in my upcoming exam

thanx

Sure! Here's a simplified explanation of how ionizing radiation affects cells, DNA, and can lead to tumors/leukemia, in note form:

1. Ionizing radiation is a type of high-energy radiation that can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating charged particles called ions.
2. When ionizing radiation interacts with cells, it can cause direct or indirect damage to their DNA.
3. Direct damage occurs when the radiation directly hits the DNA molecule, causing breaks or changes in the DNA sequence.
4. Indirect damage happens when radiation interacts with water molecules in the cell, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage the DNA.
5. Damage to DNA can disrupt its structure and function, leading to errors in cell division and potential genetic mutations.
6. Mutations in critical genes can disrupt normal cell growth and division, increasing the risk of tumor formation.
7. Tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
8. In the case of leukemia, ionizing radiation can target and damage stem cells in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced.
9. The damaged stem cells may then develop into abnormal white blood cells, which can accumulate and interfere with normal blood cell production.
10. Over time, these abnormal cells can overcrowd the bone marrow, leading to the characteristic symptoms of leukemia.

Remember to expand on these points and provide additional details in your exam answer. Good luck!