Gamma rays
2 marks · NormalExplain why gamma rays can both treat and cause cancer.
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Gamma rays can destroy cancer cells when targeted in radiotherapy, but they also damage healthy cells and may cause mutations, which can lead to cancer.
Common mistakes: Says gamma rays only cause cancer
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Explains that gamma rays are used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells.
B2 · 1 mark · Explains that gamma rays can also damage cells, causing mutations that may develop into cancer.
Worked solution
Gamma rays can be used to treat cancer because they destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, when healthy cells are exposed, gamma rays can damage their DNA, causing mutations that may lead to cancer.