3.34 Causes of Mutation

The incidence of mutations  can be increased by exposure to ionising radiation (gamma rays, X-rays and ultraviolet rays) and some chemical mutagens (tabbaco)

1.       Radiation – such as the sun (UV-B)   which can cause skin cancer.

2.       Chemicals can also cause mutations such as the effect of tar in tabbaco causing mutations in the base sequence producing new alleles. Chemicals that cause mutations are called mutagens. Chemicals which cause mutations and cancer are called carcinogens.