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It is not believed so, but viruses are able to infect cells and replace the cell's DNA "instructions" with the virus' DNA or RNA instructions. This is how they reproduce using a host's cells to do the work. There is some thought in the scientific research areas that one day we may be able to do gene therapy using viruses to implant the correction into the target cell types, but not yet.

Viruses themselves can mutate into new forms, however, and this may be what you are thinking of. The viruses are able to change the proteins in their capsid (coat) and make new viruses through this mutation that no longer get attacked by our immune systems. Our bodies no longer recognize them as the same with the different protein composition and our immune defenses that were developed against the original version of the virus won't work any more until our bodies develop new antibodies for the mutated strain of virus.

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12y ago

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Can science mutate humans?

Mutations arise as a result of exposure to radiation, chemicals, and viruses. Many different things might act as a mutagen. Science itself probably does not cause mutations.


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Mutations themselves do not cause infections; rather, they can occur in pathogens like bacteria and viruses, potentially affecting their ability to infect hosts. For example, mutations may enhance a virus's transmissibility or resistance to treatments, leading to more severe outbreaks. In this way, while mutations are a factor in the evolution of infectious agents, the actual infections are caused by the pathogens themselves, not the mutations directly.


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DNA replication errors during cell division can introduce mutations. Exposure to mutagens such as radiation, chemicals, and viruses can cause DNA damage and mutations. Environmental factors like UV light can induce mutations in DNA. Inherited genetic mutations passed down from parents can contribute to mutations in offspring.


What agents do not cause mutations in DNA?

The height of mount Everest is unlikely to cause mutation in DNA. You may find this answer surprising but it is I assure you a true answer. Your problem is that you asked your question in the negative (What is UNLIKELY) which means that just about anything in the universe is a valid answer.


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While this question should be recategorized because external stimuli do not cause the mutations that result in hemophilia, there are many types of radiation that can cause gene mutations as well as chemical exposure. For example sun light is UV light radiation wich can cause mutations (for example the mutations that result in skin cancer).


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