Question

Explain the causes of Mutation. Specifically write about factors that cause Mutation

Answer 1

Mutation means a change in genetic material of an organism that gives rise to alternate forms of gene. Gene can be mutate by spontaneously or by any induced agent(mutagen).

Spontaneous mutation occurs due to replication error or transposition event during normal growth of cell. Spontaneous mutation in replication error arised from tautomeric shift of nitrogenous base(usually enol or imino forms. Replication error may caise substitutions mutations or frameshift mutation. Transposition events also cause insertions mutation. Beside these factors Oxidative damage, spontaneous lesions may cause mutation.

Mutagenic factors:-

a) Physical mutagens:- ionizing agents like X rays and nonionizing rays like Uv-ray cause mutations.

b) Chemical mutagens:-

i) 2-Aminopurine cause mutation by acting as base analogs.

ii) Ethyl methane Sulfonate (EMS) act as a alkylating agent, add alkyl group to nucleotide and cause transition mutation.

iii) Nitrous acid act as deaminating agent , removal of an amino group from base, that cause transition mutation.