Question

maria is concerned because she has been exposed to a small amount of radiation during an x - ray. what is her doctor most likely to tell her?
radiations from x - rays is not a mutagen.
mutagens have no effect on the body unless you have inherited them.
small amounts of a mutagen often do not have an effect on health.
severe mutations are usually caused by small amounts of a mutagen.

Explanation:

• Option 1: X - rays are ionizing radiation and are mutagens. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 2: Mutagens can act on the body regardless of inheritance. For example, environmental mutagens like UV rays (not inherited) can cause mutations. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 3: The body has repair mechanisms. Small amounts of mutagens (like a small dose of radiation from an X - ray) can often be repaired by the body's DNA repair systems, and thus may not have a significant impact on health. This is a correct statement.
• Option 4: Severe mutations are usually caused by large amounts of mutagens or repeated exposure, not small amounts. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

Small amounts of a mutagen often do not have an effect on health.