Effects of radiation damage on the human body** Ionizing radiation can change atoms and molecules, damaging important molecules in cells, such as the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), causing cell damage**. The DNA and chromosomes in the cell nucleus are more susceptible to damage, so dividing cells, such as the bone marrow that produces blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract that continues to regenerate mucosal cells, are more susceptible to damage. On the contrary, cells that divide less frequently, such as nerve cells, are less likely to be injured.
