Question

What are mutations. What are the factors that lead to mutations?

Answer 1

Mutation

1. It can be defined as any change in DNA.
2. This is any heritable and genetic change in the sequence of the genome.
3. It may be of different types such as frame-shift mutation, point mutation, and duplication.

The mutation is caused due to the following reasons:

1. Internal Causes

• Most of the mutations occur when the DNA fails to copy accurately.
• All these mutations lead to evolution. During cell division, the DNA makes a copy of its own.
• Sometimes, the copy of the DNA is not perfect and this slight difference from the original DNA is called a mutation.

1. External Causes

• When the DNA is exposed to certain chemicals or radiations, it causes the DNA to break down.
• The ultraviolet radiations cause the thymine dimers to break resulting in a mutated DNA.