What causes induced mutations?

Induced mutations are specifically caused by external factors that can damage DNA and lead to changes in the genetic material. These factors include radiation, such as ultraviolet light or X-rays, and various chemical agents, like certain pollutants or chemicals used in industry and agriculture. The interaction of these external agents with DNA can create breaks, modifications, or mispairings during replication, which ultimately results in mutations. Unlike spontaneous mutations, which can happen due to errors in normal cellular processes or replication, induced mutations are directly linked to these environmental exposures and interventions. This makes understanding and identifying the sources of induced mutations crucial in fields such as genetics, molecular biology, and medicine.