A transversion occurs when one base is replaced by another of a different type (i.e., a pyrimidine is replaced by a purine or vice versa).

What causes a transversion?

Transversion, in molecular biology, refers to a point mutation in DNA in which a single (two ring) purine (A or G) is changed for a (one ring) pyrimidine (T or C), or vice versa. A transversion can be spontaneous, or it can be caused by ionizing radiation or alkylating agents.

What is a transversion in genetics?

Transversions are interchanges of purine for pyrimidine bases, which therefore involve exchange of one-ring and two-ring structures.