Question

which accurately describes the relationship between cancer risk and exposure to mutagens?
cancer risk decreases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of dna mutation decreases as well.
cancer risk increases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of dna mutations increases as well.
cancer risk increases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of dna mutations decreases considerably.
cancer risk decreases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of dna mutations increases considerably.

Explanation:

Mutagens are agents that cause DNA mutations. Cancer often results from uncontrolled cell growth due to DNA mutations. So, when a person is exposed to mutagens, the risk of DNA mutations increases, which in turn increases cancer risk. Let's analyze each option:

• First option: Says cancer risk decreases with mutagen exposure, but mutagens increase mutation risk, so this is wrong.
• Second option: States cancer risk increases with mutagen exposure because DNA mutation risk increases. This matches the relationship between mutagens, DNA mutations, and cancer risk.
• Third option: Claims cancer risk increases but DNA mutation risk decreases, which is contradictory as mutagens cause mutations. Wrong.
• Fourth option: Says cancer risk decreases while DNA mutation risk increases, which is illogical. Wrong.

Answer:

B. Cancer risk increases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of DNA mutations increases as well.