Ionizing radiation causes mutations primarily by:
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Correct answer: Breakage of DNA strands
Ionizing radiation produces free radicals that break DNA strands. These breaks can result in severe chromosomal mutations.
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More Mutations: Types and Causes questions
- Which chromosomal mutation involves reversal of a chromosome segment?
- Which mutation is most likely to have a severe effect on protein function?
- Mutations that occur naturally without external agents are called:
- Which enzyme system primarily helps correct replication errors to reduce mutations?
- Which consequence of mutation provides raw material for evolution?
- Which type of mutation is most often associated with genetic disorders?