To avoid overexposure to mutagens as efficiently as possible, which strategy would be most effective? A) Eat a balanced diet B) Exercise regularly C) Wear sunscreen outdoors D) Wash hands frequently

The most effective strategy to avoid overexposure to mutagens specifically would be C) Wear sunscreen outdoors. Mutagens are agents that change the genetic material, usually DNA, of an organism and thus may increase the frequency of mutations above the natural background level. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause mutations in skin cells, which in turn can lead to skin cancer. By wearing sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, thereby reducing your exposure to these particular mutagens.

Extra: Mutagens can be chemical, physical, or biological. Examples include:

- Chemical mutagens: Certain chemicals in polluted air, tobacco smoke, or even some components of food can act as mutagens. - Physical mutagens: Radiation, like UV light from the sun, X-rays, or gamma rays from radioactive materials, can damage DNA and cause mutations. - Biological mutagens: Certain viruses can insert their genetic material into the DNA of a host cell, potentially causing mutations.

To protect yourself from mutagens more broadly, various strategies can be employed based on the type of mutagen:

- Eating a balanced diet (A) with plenty of antioxidants can help your body repair some of the damage done by mutagens or may even help in reducing the effects of mutagens. - Regular exercise (B) helps maintain overall good health, which can support your body's natural systems for repairing DNA and potentially counteracting some of the harm from mutagens. - Washing hands frequently (D) can help minimize the risk of spreading or coming into contact with biological mutagens, such as certain bacteria or viruses.

However, for specifically addressing the risk of overexposure to mutagens from UV radiation, wearing sunscreen when spending time outdoors is the most directly effective choice. This action limits the dose of harmful UV light that reaches your skin cells, which is a preventative measure against skin cancer and other forms of skin damage.