Outline how ONE type of electromagnetic radiation can cause a germline mutation. (2 marks)
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Answers could include one of the following:
X-Ray Radiation
→ X-rays can cause damage to DNA, breaking chemical bonds and leading to mutations.
→ When this occurs in gametes (sex cells), the mutation will be passed on to future generations.
UV radiation
→ UV radiation can cause adjacent thymine bases in DNA to form incorrect bonds called dimers.
→ When this damage occurs in sperm or egg cells, these mutations can be inherited by offspring.
Answers could include one of the following:
X-Ray Radiation
→ X-Rays can cause damage to DNA, breaking chemical bonds and leading to mutations.
→ When this occurs in gametes (sex cells), the mutation will be passed on to future generations.
UV radiation
→ UV radiation can cause adjacent thymine bases in DNA to form incorrect bonds called dimers.
→ When this damage occurs in sperm or egg cells, these mutations can be inherited by offspring.