The Jaina Doctrine of Karma And The Science Of Genetics: Mutation - Changes in Genetic Material

A sudden variation which is transmissible to generations is called mutation. Mutations are produced by chemicals and radiations. Energy rich radiations are of two types:

(i) Electromagnetic Radiation

To produce a mutation, the energy provided should at least to lift an electron from an inner to outer shell rendering the atoms unstable and more prone to chemical reactions. Ultra violate radiation has this property and cause point mutations. Ultra violet rays cannot penetrate the human epidermis and reach germ cells. Hence it is not dangerous to human life. However, it can produce mutations in skin
cells leading to skin cancer. X rays and Gamma rays have high energy electrons, which ionize cellular components and disrupt cell structure. These rays thus destroy living cells on contact and they are far more dangerous to life.

(ii) Corpuscular radiations

It consists not of energy photons but of particles. They may be charged lie electrons and protons or uncharged like neutrons. Their physical effects depend upon their kinetic energy. These radiations cause not only point mutations but break chromosomes causing death of embryos.^[36] Nothing is permanent and immutable in the universe.