Induced mutations

Term used in genetics. Induced mutations are genetic changes that are caused by external influences such as chemicals or radiation or other human activities.

In contrast to spontaneous mutations, which occur randomly, induced mutations are specifically caused by the use of mutagens such as chemical substances (chemical mutagens), radiation (sunlight, X-rays) or genetic engineering.

For example, ultraviolet (UV) light induces specific mutations in the cell and skin genome, such as UV signature and triplet mutations, the mechanism of which is thought to be related to translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) via UV-induced DNA base damage (Ikehata H et al. 2011).

Furthermore, there is growing evidence that urbanization is associated with higher mutation rates, which may affect the health and evolution of people living in cities (Johnson MTJ et al. 2024). Elevated levels of pollutants in urban areas can cause DNA damage leading to de novo mutations. Studies on mutations induced by urban pollution are mostly found in humans and microorganisms, while studies on non-human eukaryotes are rare, although increased mutation rates have the potential to affect organisms and their populations in the modern era (Johnson MTJ et al. 2024).

Induced mutations are often used in scientific studies to investigate the function of genes or to create new traits in organisms, e.g. in agriculture to breed plants with improved traits. Chemical mutagens include base analogs, alkylating substances, free radicals, intercalants)

1. Ikehata H et al. (2011) The mechanisms of UV mutagenesis. J Radiat Res 52:115-125.
2. Johnson MTJ et al. (2024) Effects of urban-induced mutations on ecology, evolution and health. Nat Ecol Evol 8:1074-1086.