Environmental factors can react with DNA and change the way molecules bond, resulting in a mutation. Explain how an environmental factor can causes mutations using an example. (4 points)
One example of an environmental factor causing mutations is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation can directly damage DNA molecules by causing the formation of thymine dimers, where two adjacent thymine bases in the DNA strand bond together instead of pairing with their complementary adenine bases. This distorts the DNA structure and can lead to errors during DNA replication, ultimately causing mutations.
When UV radiation hits the skin, it can increase the risk of mutations in skin cells, potentially leading to skin cancer. This is why it is important to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.
Overall, environmental factors like UV radiation can directly interact with DNA molecules and disrupt their normal structure, leading to mutations that can have harmful effects on cells and organisms.