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mutagenesis
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mutagenesis

biology
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Mutagenesis is the process by which genetic material, specifically DNA, is altered. These alterations, known as mutations, can occur spontaneously due to errors in DNA replication or be induced by external agents called mutagens. Mutagens can include various forms of electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays and ultraviolet light, as well as certain chemical compounds.12

Mutations can range from small changes, like a single base pair alteration (a point mutation), to larger changes affecting multiple genes or entire chromosomes. The impact of a mutation depends on where it occurs in the genome and whether it affects a gene that codes for a protein. While many mutations are neutral or harmful, some can be beneficial and provide the genetic variation that drives evolution.342

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. mutagen
  2. heredity - Mechanisms of mutation
  3. point mutation
  4. mutation

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