Explain at least three ways in which a mutation in an individual's DNA could occur, and describe at least 2 effects a mutation could have on an individual's traits

Mutations can occur from the following ways:

1. Errors that occur in DNA replication during cell division

2. Exposure to high-energy electromagnetic radiation

3. Exposure to chemicals mutagens

Effects of mutation include:

1. Genetic disorders

2. Cancers

Explanation:

A mutation is a change or alteration that occurs in the DNA sequence of a cell of an organism. These mutations can be passed on to offsprings of that organism. Mutations can occur from the following ways:

1. Errors that occur in DNA replication during cell division: during the process of cell division, the DNA in cell are copied many times. Some errors result when copying DNA, most of which are corrected during proofreading. However, some changes in the DNA sequence may not be corrected, thus resulting in a mutation.

2. Exposure to high-energy electromagnetic radiation: some types of electromagnetic radiation are ionizing, such as UV rays and X-rays. Prolonged exposure to these ionizing radiation may result in permanent damage to parts of the DNA, thereby resulting in a mutation.

3. Exposure to chemicals mutagens: mutagens are substances which are able to cause mutations. Some common chemical mutagens are alkylating agents such as ethylmethane sulfonate and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea.

Effects of mutation include:

1. Genetic disorders: in genetic disorders, certain normal functioning of the body processes are impaired. For example, hemophilia whereby blood lacks the ability to clot normally resulting in excessive bleeding.

2. Cancers: cancers occur when the cell of the body differentiate and grow abnormally. Various types of cancers include breast cancer, prostrate cancer, blood cancer etc.