3.34 Causes of Mutation

Mutation is the change in base sequence of the genes which creates new alleles.

Causes:

• Radation - Xrays or sunshine (UVB) in this case of UVB this can cause a mutation which leads to skin cancer

• Chemicals - effects of tars and tobacco which causes a change in the base sequence which can also lead to cancer.

Chemicals which cause mutation are called mutagens and those that cause cancers are called carcinogen.