Which cells are most sensitive to radiation exposure?

Lymphocytes are the most sensitive cells to radiation exposure primarily due to their high mitotic activity and their role in the immune response. These white blood cells are involved in the adaptive immune system, which includes T cells and B cells. Being part of the immune system, they rapidly divide and are constantly replenished, making them more susceptible to the effects of radiation, which can cause damage to DNA during cell division.

Radiation exposure primarily affects cells that are actively dividing because the damage occurs during the synthesis and replication phases of the cell cycle. Lymphocytes have a high turnover rate, resulting in a greater likelihood of encountering ionizing radiation during a vulnerable stage of division. As a result, when exposed to radiation, lymphocytes can be significantly affected, leading to reduced immune function or other health complications.

In contrast, other cells listed, such as thrombocytes (platelets), erythrocytes (red blood cells), and granulocytes (a type of white blood cell), also can be affected by radiation but typically have a lower sensitivity compared to lymphocytes. Thrombocytes and erythrocytes are not as rapidly dividing as lymphocytes, and granulocytes, while important for immune function, do not exhibit the same level of sensitivity as lymphocytes