What does the term LET stand for in radiation biology?

The term LET in radiation biology stands for Linear Energy Transfer. LET is a crucial concept that describes the amount of energy that radiation transfers to the medium it travels through, per unit length. It provides insight into how different types of radiation, such as alpha particles and gamma rays, interact with biological tissues.

Higher LET radiation, like alpha particles, deposits more energy in a small area, which can lead to greater biological damage, especially at the cellular level. This is particularly important in radiation therapy, as understanding the LET helps in predicting the potential biological effects of different radiation types on tissues, aiding in treatment planning and safety measures.

In contrast, other options listed, like Linear Emission Time, Low Energy Threshold, and Latent Energy Transmission, are not standard terms used in the context of radiation biology or do not capture the essential relationship between radiation and energy transfer relevant to biological effects.