What will be the result of irradiation of the bone marrow?

Irradiation of the bone marrow primarily affects the production of blood cells, as this is where the majority of blood cell development occurs. When bone marrow is exposed to radiation, it can lead to hematological depression, which is a reduced production of blood cells. This can result in a lower count of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to conditions such as anemia, increased risk of infections, and impaired blood clotting.

The other options would not typically result from the direct irradiation of bone marrow. Cataracts are related to the lens of the eye and are caused by radiation exposure to that area, while melanoma is a type of skin cancer closely associated with excessive UV light exposure, not bone marrow irradiation. Neurological depression pertains to issues affecting the nervous system, which is not connected to the effects that radiation would have on bone marrow. Therefore, hematological depression is the most accurate result of irradiating the bone marrow.