Biology Regents Practice Exam

Exposure to the radiation emitted by tanning beds can cause skin cancer. This cancer is primarily the result of a:

1. Change in a starch molecule.

2. Mutation in the genetic material.

3. Mutation in a protein.

4. Change in a fat molecule.

The correct answer is: Mutation in the genetic material.

The correct choice is based on the understanding that exposure to radiation, including that emitted by tanning beds, can lead to changes in the DNA within skin cells. This process results in mutations, which are alterations in the genetic material of an organism. Those mutations can occur in genes that regulate cell growth and division, and when these genes are affected, it can disrupt normal cellular functions and lead to uncontrolled cell division—characteristic of cancer. Skin cancer primarily arises from DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a component of tanning bed emissions. When the DNA is damaged, the cell's ability to repair that damage may fail, leading to permanent mutations. In this context, it's clear that the risk of developing skin cancer is closely tied to these mutations in the genetic material rather than changes in molecules like starch, fats, or proteins, which do not directly relate to the genetic basis of cancer. Understanding the direct link between DNA mutations and the development of cancers underscores the importance of protecting against harmful UV radiation to reduce the risk of skin cancer.