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Resource Type
Duration
00:01:07Description
This animation shows how mutations can arise when DNA is damaged.
DNA can be damaged by radiation and reactive molecules, such as free radicals. As discussed in the animation, this damage may create mutations by chemically changing the DNA. Most mutations are corrected by DNA repair processes in the cell. In rare cases, however, mutations can accumulate and cause genetic diseases such as cancer.
Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different structures or molecules.
Key Terms
cancer, DNA repair, free radical, mutagen, nucleic acid, ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Terms of Use
The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.