Mutagenic agents can increase the rate of gene mutation
Some chemicals and types of radiation damage DNA. They are called mutagenic agents, and they make gene mutations happen more often than normal.
Real World
Workers at the Chernobyl nuclear plant were exposed to intense ionising radiation in 1986; follow-up studies showed significantly elevated rates of thyroid cancer caused by radiation-induced DNA mutations in thyroid cells.
Exam Focus
Name the specific type of mutagenic agent and link it mechanistically to the type of mutation it causes — don't just say 'it damages DNA'.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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