Damage of DNA leads to mutation

Chemical changes in DNA can cause a mutation. DNA is constanly under attack from reactive chemicals and natural background radiation. Free radicals are the products of natural metabolistm in the human cells can sometimes react with DNA and cause chemical changes. In addition, radiation such as ultraviolet light from the sun could be the reason of harmful chemical changes in the DNA of skin. Fortunatly, DNA has the ability to repair itself. Most mutations can be corrected by biochemical repair work before they have any effect. However, in a few cases mutations can accumulate. One of the chemical changes in DNA is disease-cancer. Later on in class we are going to learn about mutation in DNA and its effects.