2.7: Case Study- Electrons and Electronic Structure in Medical Applications
- Page ID
- 465645
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Scenario: Dr. Sarah Thompson, a seasoned radiologist, meets with John, a patient who has been diagnosed with an early-stage, localized form of cancer. Dr. Thompson sits down with John and his family to discuss the proposed treatment plan—radiation therapy. She carefully explains how this therapy uses the principles of electron behavior and atomic structure to target cancer cells with high precision, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
Electrons and Electronic Structure: At the heart of Dr. Thompson's explanation is the concept that each atom, the fundamental building block of matter, is made up of a nucleus and electrons. The electrons are arranged in layers or shells around the nucleus, and their specific arrangement is referred to as the electronic structure. This structure dictates how an atom will interact with radiation.
Application in Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy, Dr. Thompson explains to John, works by sending high-energy particles or waves through the body to the cancer cells. These particles or waves are absorbed by the electrons in the DNA of the cells, causing ionization. In other words, the electrons are knocked out of their orbits, leading to DNA damage. Since cancer cells are more vulnerable to this damage due to their rapid division rate, they are preferentially destroyed over healthy cells.
Case Study Questions:
- How does electron movement affect DNA structure and function?
- How can knowledge of electron configuration impact medical treatments?
Hands-On Classroom Activities:
- Build a Model: In this activity, students are tasked with constructing three-dimensional models that represent the arrangement of electron shells and valence electrons. Using materials such as colored balls and sticks, they will assemble structures that mimic the atomic framework, providing a tangible way to comprehend the abstract concepts of atomic structure and electron distribution. This hands-on project aims to deepen students' understanding of how electrons influence chemical bonding and molecular formation.
- Research Discussion: Following the model-building exercise, students will engage in a research discussion centered on the latest developments in radiation therapy. They will investigate and analyze scholarly articles and clinical studies that examine the critical role of electron behavior in advancing therapeutic techniques. Each student or group is expected to present a summary of their research to the class, sparking an in-depth dialogue about the practical implications and potential innovations in the field of medical treatment.
Conclusion: As Dr. Thompson outlines the treatment plan, she reassures John that the approach is rooted in a deep scientific understanding of atomic behavior, specifically the interactions involving electrons. This case exemplifies how intricate knowledge of atomic and subatomic particles is not just an abstract scientific principle but a vital tool in the fight against cancer. It provides a beacon of hope for patients like John, highlighting the marriage of theoretical science with practical, life-saving medical interventions.