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)

As previously described in 3.30 mutation is changes in the base sequence of the gene. This is where new alleles are produced. The question in 3.34 is what causes these changes to the base sequence of the gene?

1) Ionising Radiation:
      - X-rays
      - UV Rays (Sunlight)

2) Chemicals:
      - Tars
      - Tobacco

Chemicals which cause mutation are called Mutagens
Chemicals which cause mutation and also cause cancer are called Carcinogens