Genetic mutation is what leads to the mechanism of natural selection, and thus c
ID: 97721 • Letter: G
Question
Genetic mutation is what leads to the mechanism of natural selection, and thus contributes directly to evolution, a necessary and useful process. The crossing over and randomization at fertilization also increases variation. Without the variation that results from mutations, natural selection would not occur, thus proving that genetic mutations are beneficial and crucial for life. However, cancer is a disease caused by mutation. Does this mean that cancer is inescapable for all humans if we simply live long enough?
Explanation / Answer
Cancer not only depends on the genetic constitution of the individual, but it also depends on the environment and way of life the individual is leading.
It is not possible for any human to avoid mutations, as there is a chance of inescapable consequences of when it comes to the accuracy of DNA replication with respect to fundamental limitations.
If we live long enough, there is a great chance for us to have at least one of our cells accumulating mutation which can lead to cancer. It has been reported that certain cancer is common in some countries and at the same time they are very less common in some countries. All are having a certain life span, some live longer and some die at a younger age. But who live longer will have chances of getting cancer, but it is not true in all cases, people who live a healthy life (no smoking, no tobacco, no food additives, less pollution, a healthy diet free of chemicals, less exposure to UV rays) can avoid getting cancer to large extent. In spite of living a healthy life, some persons will get cancer, here it is purely based on their genetic constitution.
As a conclusion, we can say, for not all, but for most of the people cancer is inescapable if they live long enough.
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