Question

How do ultraviolet rays coming from sun affect the living organisms?

Answer 1

UV rays are highly injurious to living organisms since DNA and proteins of living organisms preferentially absorb UV rays and its high energy breaks the chemical bonds within these molecules. UV rays damage DNA and mutation may occur. It causes ageing of the skin, damage to skin cells and various types of skin cancers. In the human eye, cornea absorbs UV radiation and a high dose of UV causes inflammation of cornea called snow-blindness, cataract, etc. Such exposure may permanently damage the cornea.