Define "radiobiology."

Radiobiology is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding the biological effects of ionizing radiation on living organisms. This field encompasses how various types of radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, and particles like alpha and beta, can cause changes at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. The effects studied can include cell death, mutations, and other biological responses that influence health outcomes, both in medical contexts, such as radiation therapy for cancer treatment, and in environmental circumstances, such as radiation exposure from nuclear events.

The focus on ionizing radiation is crucial because it carries enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, potentially leading to chemical reactions and changes in biological systems. This is distinct from the other options, which address different areas of study not related to the biological impacts of radiation on cells and living organisms. Therefore, defining radiobiology specifically as the study of the effects of ionizing radiation captures the essence of this discipline accurately.