Causes Of Genetic Disorders & Mutations
Mutations
Mutations in DNA sequences usually occur in one of two ways:
1. DNA damage from environmental agents such as ultraviolet light, nuclear radiation, or certain chemicals.
2. Mistakes that happen when a cell copies its DNA in preparation for cell division.
1. DNA damage from environmental agents such as ultraviolet light, nuclear radiation, or certain chemicals.
2. Mistakes that happen when a cell copies its DNA in preparation for cell division.
Modifying nucleotide bases
Ultraviolet light, nuclear radiation, and certain chemicals can damage DNA by altering nucleotide bases so that they look like other nucleotide bases. When the DNA strands are separated and copied, the altered base will pair with an incorrect base and cause a mutation.