How does radiation therapy affect mitosis or meiosis?

Radiation therapy primarily affects mitosis by damaging the DNA in rapidly dividing cells, which can lead to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or mutations. This is particularly impactful on cancer cells, which divide more frequently than normal cells. In meiOSis, radiation can cause DNA damage in germ cells, potentially leading to chromosomal abnormalities in gametes, which may affect fertility or result in genetic disorders in offspring. Overall, the effect of radiation therapy disrupts normal cellular processes, particularly in tissues with high turnover rates.