mutation rates

Rich Daniel (rwdaniel@dnaco.net)
Fri, 21 May 1999 17:18:51 -0400 (EDT)

Biochmborg@aol.com wrote:

> ...Because the mutation rate for any gene is largely constant, the only
> way the mutation rate can change is if the gene changes in some fashion...

It can also change if the cellular environment changes. The presence of
chemical mutagens in the cell will change the mutation rate. Not to
mention X-rays or even UV light. A reduction in the ozone layer could
conceivably increase mutations significantly.

Rich Daniel rwdaniel@dnaco.net http://www.dnaco.net/~rwdaniel/