Radiation

Definition

Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, which can be used to control microbial growth. It can damage the DNA and cellular structures of microorganisms, leading to their inactivation or death.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radiation can be classified into ionizing (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays) and non-ionizing (e.g., ultraviolet light).
2. Ionizing radiation penetrates deeply and is effective for sterilizing medical equipment and food products.
3. Non-ionizing radiation, like UV light, does not penetrate surfaces well but is useful for disinfecting air, water, and surfaces.
4. The effectiveness of radiation in controlling microbial growth depends on factors such as wavelength, intensity, and exposure time.
5. Radiation can cause mutations in microbial DNA that prevent replication or induce cell death.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of radiation used to control microbial growth?
• Why is ionizing radiation more effective for sterilizing medical equipment than non-ionizing radiation?
• How does UV light inhibit the growth of microorganisms?

Related terms

Sterilization:

A process that completely eliminates all forms of microbial life.

Disinfection:

The use of chemical or physical methods to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light: A type of non-ionizing radiation effective at disinfecting surfaces and air by damaging microbial DNA.