October 10, 2011

3.34 Causes of mutation

3.34 understand that the incidence of mutations can be increased by exposure to ionising radiation (for example gamma rays, X-rays and ultraviolet rays) and some chemical mutagens (for example chemicals in tobacco)

Mutation – change in base sequence
  1. Radiation
    • Ionising radiation (e.g. gamma rays, X-rays)
    • UV-B rays (sunshine) causes a mutation that causes skin cancer
  2. Chemical – Mutagens
    • Tars in Tobacco – can cause cancer
    • Chemicals which cause mutation are called Mutagens
    • Chemicals that cause mutation and cancer are called Carcinogens

End of Reproduction and Inheritance Topic

1 comment:

  1. read everything up to here Frazer, no corrections of significance

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