A mutant is an organism that has changed from its original form, usually as a result of exposure to radiation or chemicals. The term can also refer to the genetic material of such an organism. Mutants are often considered to be harmful, but some have beneficial effects.
Mutants occur naturally, but they can also be created artificially. In nature, mutations happen when a cell’s DNA is damaged by ultraviolet light, X-rays, or other sources of radiation. These damages can cause changes in the DNA that are passed on to future generations of cells. Some mutations may have no effect at all, while others can be harmful or even deadly.
There are two types of artificial mutants: those created intentionally and those that occur accidentally. Intentional mutants are made by scientists who expose cells or organisms to radiation or chemicals in order to change their genetic makeup. These experiments are done with the hope of creating new and improved strains of plants or animals. Accidental mutants occur when people are exposed to radiation or chemicals without knowing it—for example, if they live near a nuclear power plant that leaks radiation into the environment.
Most mutations are harmless; however, some can have devastating consequences. One well-known example is the Hiroshima Syndrome, which refers to the increased risk of cancer and birth defects among people who were exposed to high levels of radiation from the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. Other examples include various forms of cancer caused by exposure to UV light and cigarettes smoke; these cancers would not have occurred if not for the mutation in the cells’ DNA..