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Radiation primarily harms biological systems by damaging DNA.
Here's why:
DNA is the blueprint of life: It carries the genetic instructions for an organism. Damage to DNA can lead to mutations, which can disrupt cell function and cause disease.
Radiation can directly interact with DNA: High-energy radiation can break chemical bonds in DNA, leading to strand breaks or changes in the DNA sequence.
While radiation can also interact with water molecules, oxygen compounds, and metal ions, the primary impact on biological systems is through DNA damage.