Chapter 21: Problem 61
Increasing skin cancer and high mutation rate are duc to (a) Acid rain (b) Ozone depletion (c) CO pollution (d) CO \(_{2}\) pollution
Short Answer
Expert verified
(b) Ozone depletion
Step by step solution
01
Understand the problem
Determine which factor among the options provided is responsible for increasing skin cancer and a high mutation rate.
02
Recall related concepts
Skin cancer can be due to increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Think about what could cause a decrease in the Earth's natural protection against UV rays.
03
Analyze each option
Evaluate each option to see which one leads to increased UV radiation: (a) Acid rain - primarily affects water bodies and vegetation. (b) Ozone depletion - reduces the ozone layer that protects against UV radiation. (c) CO pollution - primarily affects air quality and respiratory systems, not UV radiation. (d) CO _{2} pollution - primarily associated with global warming, not UV radiation.
04
Select the correct answer
Since ozone depletion is directly linked to increased UV radiation, it is the factor that causes both increased skin cancer and high mutation rates.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy emitted by the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. Although invisible to the human eye, UV radiation can be harmful. It is divided into three types:
- **UVA**: Penetrates the skin deeply and contributes to aging and long-term skin damage.
- **UVB**: Affects the outer layer of skin, causing sunburns and is closely linked to skin cancer.
- **UVC**: Mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the ground.
Exposure to excessive UV radiation can cause skin cancer by damaging the DNA in skin cells. This can lead to mutations, making it crucial to understand the protecting role of the ozone layer.
Understanding UV radiation and its impacts is central to comprehending why certain environmental factors, like ozone depletion, are critical in discussing health risks.
- **UVA**: Penetrates the skin deeply and contributes to aging and long-term skin damage.
- **UVB**: Affects the outer layer of skin, causing sunburns and is closely linked to skin cancer.
- **UVC**: Mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the ground.
Exposure to excessive UV radiation can cause skin cancer by damaging the DNA in skin cells. This can lead to mutations, making it crucial to understand the protecting role of the ozone layer.
Understanding UV radiation and its impacts is central to comprehending why certain environmental factors, like ozone depletion, are critical in discussing health risks.
environmental science
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the interactions between the natural environment and human activities. It combines aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, and geography to tackle environmental issues.
One critical issue studied in environmental science is the depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer acts as a shield, absorbing much of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
When chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) break down in the atmosphere, they release chlorine atoms which then destroy ozone molecules. This reduction in the ozone layer increases the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, leading to higher cases of skin cancer and genetic mutations.
The field also explores solutions to mitigate environmental damage, such as banning harmful chemicals and promoting alternative practices that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
One critical issue studied in environmental science is the depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer acts as a shield, absorbing much of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
When chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) break down in the atmosphere, they release chlorine atoms which then destroy ozone molecules. This reduction in the ozone layer increases the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, leading to higher cases of skin cancer and genetic mutations.
The field also explores solutions to mitigate environmental damage, such as banning harmful chemicals and promoting alternative practices that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
mutation rate
The mutation rate refers to the frequency at which changes occur in DNA sequences. A mutation is any alteration in the genetic material, which can be caused by environmental factors or errors during cell division.
Exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation can increase the mutation rate. UVB radiation, for instance, can directly damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to errors that are then replicated in subsequent cell divisions.
These mutations can disrupt normal cell function, potentially leading to cancers like melanoma.
Understanding the role of the ozone layer in filtering UV radiation helps to grasp why its depletion can elevate mutation rates and subsequent health risks. Regular monitoring and protective measures, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, are essential strategies to reduce the mutation rate and minimize the risk of skin damage and cancer.
Exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation can increase the mutation rate. UVB radiation, for instance, can directly damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to errors that are then replicated in subsequent cell divisions.
These mutations can disrupt normal cell function, potentially leading to cancers like melanoma.
Understanding the role of the ozone layer in filtering UV radiation helps to grasp why its depletion can elevate mutation rates and subsequent health risks. Regular monitoring and protective measures, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, are essential strategies to reduce the mutation rate and minimize the risk of skin damage and cancer.