The Causes of Mutations
- Mutations happen spontaneously and continuously but their frequency can be increased by exposure to the following:
- Gamma rays, x - rays and ultraviolet rays - all types of ionising radiation which can damage bonds and cause changes in base sequences
- Certain types of chemicals - for example chemicals such as tar in tobacco
- Increased rates of mutation can cause cells to become cancerous, which is why the above are linked to increased incidence of different types of cancer
