A mutation in biology is an alteration to the sequence of nucleic acids of a virus, extrachromosomal DNA, or an organism’s genome. DNA or RNA comprise the viral genome. DNA changes chemically in a living cell, primarily when replicating in the eukaryotic cell cycle’s S phase. The majority of these modifications are easily fixed. Mutations happen in those that are not repaired.

X-rays cause mutation by deletion (deficiency, gene deletion, or deletion mutation). Drosophila was exposed to X-rays to produce the first induced mutations. Hermann Joseph Muller created deadly mutations using this method. In addition to X-rays, fast neutron bombardment and gamma rays are effective radiation approaches. These procedures can induce deletions, which involve the loss of a chromosome section, or point mutations, which include alterations in a single nucleotide.

Related Links:

• Mutation – A Genetic Change
• What Is the Molecular Basis of Mutation?
• Genetic Code and Mutation

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