What is the leading cause of DNA mutations? Discover the primary factor driving genetic changes, whether it's cosmic radiation, nucleotide errors, chemical exposure, or UV light.
Context Understanding the primary cause of DNA mutations is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms behind genetic diversity, evolution, and the development of various diseases. While factors like cosmic radiation, nucleotide mismatches during DNA replication, chemical exposure, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are known to induce mutations, the relative contribution of each factor to the overall mutation rate remains a complex and actively researched area. Determining the most common cause requires considering the frequency and impact of each mutagenic source across different organisms and environmental conditions. This knowledge can inform strategies for mitigating DNA damage and preventing mutation-related health issues. Simple Answer DNA changes all the time due to different reasons. Sometimes, DNA copies itself wrong when cells divide. Radiation from the sun or space can hurt DNA. Chemicals in the environment can also damage DNA. It's hard to know exactly which cause is the mos...