Which identifies the cause of each type of mutation

Question

Biology

Raina Bowen

7 May, 05:33

Which identifies the cause of each type of mutation

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Clay Peck · Answer 1

Mutations happen for several reasons.

1. DNA fails to copy accurately

Most of the mutations that we think matter to evolution are "naturally-occurring." For example, when a cell divides, it makes a copy of its DNA - and sometimes the copy is not quite perfect. That small difference from the original DNA sequence is a mutation.

2. External influences can create mutations

Mutations can also be caused by exposure to specific chemicals or radiation. These agents cause the DNA to break down. This is not necessarily unnatural - even in the most isolated and pristine environments, DNA breaks down. Nevertheless, when the cell repairs the DNA, it might not do a perfect job of the repair. So the cell would end up with DNA slightly different than the original DNA and hence, a mutation.