Ultraviolet (UV) light induces specific mutations in the cellular and skin genome such as UV-signature and triplet mutations, the mechanism of which has been thought to involve translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) over UV-induced DNA base damage.

Which type of mutation is caused by ultraviolet light?

A genetic mutation caused by ultraviolet light is likely the driving force behind millions of human skin cancers, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The mutation occurs in a gene called KNSTRN, which is involved in helping cells divide their DNA equally during cell division.

How does UV light affect genes?

UV light induces DNA damage that blocks transcription, and the probability that a gene sustains transcription-blocking DNA damage is proportional to locus size and dose of UV light.