AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Spontaneous breakdown of DNA can also cause mutations. Mutations can also be caused by exposure to specific chemicals or radiation that cause the DNA to break down. Cells do have mechanisms to repair damaged or altered DNA molecules, but they aren’t perfect.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication during cell division, exposure to mutagens or a viral infection. Germline mutations (that occur in eggs and sperm) can be passed on to offspring, while somatic mutations (that occur in body cells) are not passed on.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mutations result either from errors in DNA replication or from the damaging effects of mutagens, such as chemicals and radiation, which react with DNA and change the structures of individual nucleotides. All cells possess DNA-repair enzymes that attempt to minimize the number of mutations that occur (Section 14.2).

Detailed explanation-4: -All types of chromosomes can undergo chromosomal mutation. Chromosomal mutation examples include chromosome deletion, duplication, inversion, and translation. These are known to cause different kinds of genetic and chromosomal mutation diseases.

Detailed explanation-5: -At the cellular level, damaged DNA that is not properly repaired can lead to genomic instability, apoptosis, or senescence, which can greatly affect the organism’s development and ageing process.