What is the difference between spontaneous and induced mutation?
Spontaneous mutation refers to a genetic alteration that occurs naturally in the DNA without any external influence. It results from errors during DNA replication or from spontaneous changes in the DNA structure over time. These mutations can occur randomly and spontaneously in the cells of an organism. Spontaneous mutations are typically low in frequency and may not have a specific cause or trigger.
On the other hand, induced mutation is a genetic alteration that is intentionally induced or caused by external factors or agents. These factors can include exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, or other mutagenic agents such as certain drugs or environmental toxins. Unlike spontaneous mutations, induced mutations have a triggering event that causes changes in the DNA sequence. Induced mutations are often studied in the laboratory to understand the effects of specific mutations on genes and organisms.
In summary, spontaneous mutations occur naturally and randomly without any external influence, while induced mutations are deliberately caused by exposure to mutagenic agents or environmental factors.
Spontaneous mutations and induced mutations are two types of genetic changes that can occur in an organism's DNA. Here's the difference between them:
1. Spontaneous Mutations: These are genetic changes that happen naturally without any external factors. They occur as a result of errors during DNA replication or due to internal cellular processes. Spontaneous mutations can also be caused by the presence of certain chemicals or substances within the body. These mutations are random and can happen at any time during an organism's life.
2. Induced Mutations: These mutations are caused by exposure to external factors that are not naturally present in the organism's environment. Induced mutations are typically a result of exposure to mutagens, which are agents that can increase the rate of DNA damage or alter DNA replication. Examples of mutagens include certain chemicals, radiation (such as UV light or X-rays), or certain drugs. Unlike spontaneous mutations, induced mutations are not random and are caused by a specific external factor.
In summary, spontaneous mutations occur naturally as a result of internal processes or errors during DNA replication, while induced mutations are caused by exposure to external factors like chemicals or radiation.