Table of contents | |
Introduction | |
Types of Mutation | |
Causes and Mechanisms of Mutation | |
Agents of Mutations | |
Significance of Mutations | |
Mutagenesis |
Mutation is a fundamental biological process that leads to the creation of genes or chromosomes differing from the wild type, which serves as the arbitrary standard for what is considered "normal" for an organism. This process results in a permanent change, most commonly defined as a spontaneous alteration in a gene or chromosome, producing detectable effects in the organism and being transmitted to offspring.
Mutations can occur due to various causes and mechanisms:
1. Errors in DNA Replication
2. Errors in DNA Repair
3. Environmental Mutagen Causes
4. Transposons and Insertion Sequences
Mutations can be induced by mutagenic agents, which can be of physical, chemical, or biological origin.
Physical Mutagens
Chemical Mutagens
Biological Mutagens
Mutagenic agents induce artificial mutations and can be categorized into physical, chemical, or biological agents. These agents may act directly on DNA or influence replication mechanisms and chromosomal partition.
Study of Traits Transmission
Understanding Gene Function
Basis for Diseases
Genetic Variation
Evolutionary Driving Force
Mutagenesis refers to the process by which mutations are induced in genetic material through various agents, categorized as physical, chemical, and environmental mutagens. These agents, known as mutagens, can lead to mutations through different mechanisms.
Physical mutagens encompass high-energy radiations that can penetrate living cells and impact genetic material. Two types of radiations, electromagnetic and particulate, exhibit distinct properties.
Chemical mutagens are classified into four groups based on their specific reactions with DNA.
Environmental mutagens encompass air and water pollutants, agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and industrial smoke, including carcinogenic chemicals like Benzidine and Vinyl Chloride. Urban air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, have demonstrated mutagenic effects. Additionally, certain biological agents, including transposons, viruses, bacteria like Helicobacter pylori, and parasitic fungi of field crops, can act as mutagens by inducing inflammation and DNA damage, ultimately leading to mutations.
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