Question

What causes mutations?
A. Colchicine
B. Cosmic rays
C. Gamma rays
D. Crossing over

Answer 1

Mutations arise when a DNA gene is disrupted or altered in such a manner that the genetic message carried by that gene is altered. A Mutagen is a chemical that may cause a permanent change in the physical makeup of a DNA gene, altering the genetic information.

Complete answer:
Mutation can cause a wide range of changes in sequences. Gene mutations can have no impact, modify a gene's output, or prohibit the gene from working correctly or fully. Non-genetic areas can also be mutated.

Mutations can occur as a result of DNA copying errors during cell division, ionising radiation exposure, mutagen exposure, or viral infection. Somatic mutations occur in body cells and are not passed on to children, but germline mutations occur in eggs and sperm and can be passed on to offspring.

In breeding experiments, gamma radiation is more commonly utilised than chemical mutagens to produce mutations. Ionizing radiation can cause random DNA damage, resulting in a variety of mutations (from point mutations to chromosomal abnormalities).
This form of high-energy radiation damages DNA, causing single- and double-strand breaks as well as chromosomal rearrangements and mutations, however, it is unknown whether ionising radiation directly causes alterations in the epigenome of irradiated cells.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Note: Mutations may or may not result in noticeable changes in an organism's observable features (phenotype). Mutations have a role in both normal and harmful biological processes like evolution, cancer, and immune system evolution, including intercellular diversity. The mutation is the primary basis of all genetic diversity, giving the raw material for evolutionary processes like natural selection to work on.