What term describes cellular effects where the exposure of one cell population affects the radio sensitivity of other cells?

The term "bystander effects" refers to the phenomenon where cells that are not directly exposed to radiation still exhibit biological effects due to their proximity to irradiated cells. This can occur in a variety of contexts, such as when signaling molecules are released by damaged cells or through gap junctions that allow communication between neighboring cells. Bystander effects have been observed in various studies, indicating that the impact of radiation extends beyond the directly irradiated cells, affecting their surrounding population and demonstrating a broader radiosensitivity than what would be expected from direct exposure alone.

This understanding is essential in radiobiology and has significant implications for assessing the risk of radiation exposure, especially in therapeutic contexts. It highlights the complexity of cellular interactions in response to radiation and underscores the need for a nuanced approach when evaluating radiation effects in biological systems. The other terms mentioned relate to different aspects of cellular responses to radiation but do not specifically capture the influence exerted by irradiated cells on their neighboring, unirradiated counterparts, which is the essence of the bystander effect.