- #1
kyphysics
- 676
- 437
When I see the term random mutation in popular writings on evolution (social sciences major here, so please forgive my ignorance), I wonder what it precisely refers to.
I understand we can have have gene mutations due to exogenous factors, such as exposure to UV light, or from "errors" in the DNA copying process. Are there any other causes of mutations?
However, I'm wondering if by "random," scientists mean there is no "logical cause" of these mutations. Clearly, UV radiation would be a cause. And then when an error is made in DNA copying, can we not locate a cause for the error? I guess I'm not sure why we call it "random mutation" and not some other qualified mutation? And is there ever truly a kind of totally random - like a spontaneous, cause-less - mutation?
Does this question make sense?
I understand we can have have gene mutations due to exogenous factors, such as exposure to UV light, or from "errors" in the DNA copying process. Are there any other causes of mutations?
However, I'm wondering if by "random," scientists mean there is no "logical cause" of these mutations. Clearly, UV radiation would be a cause. And then when an error is made in DNA copying, can we not locate a cause for the error? I guess I'm not sure why we call it "random mutation" and not some other qualified mutation? And is there ever truly a kind of totally random - like a spontaneous, cause-less - mutation?
Does this question make sense?