The major target for damage associated with ultraviolet radiation is:

The major target for damage associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation is cellular DNA. UV radiation can cause direct damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that may result in skin cancers, such as melanoma and non-melanoma types. This damage occurs primarily through the formation of pyrimidine dimers, which disturb the normal base pairing in the DNA structure, resulting in errors during DNA replication and repair processes. The ability of UV radiation to penetrate the skin and affect the DNA directly is a key reason why it is considered a significant factor in the development of skin cancer.

While the skin is certainly affected by UV radiation, as it is the first level of interaction with sunlight, the underlying mechanism of skin damage fundamentally revolves around the impact on cellular DNA. Damage to the eyes from UV radiation can lead to conditions such as cataracts and other ocular issues, but the primary concern in terms of initiating cancerous processes is the effect on DNA in cells. Similarly, the liver, while an important organ in metabolism and detoxification, is not a direct target in the context of UV radiation exposure. Therefore, understanding the relationship between UV radiation and DNA damage helps clarify the critical importance of protecting skin cells from excessive UV exposure.