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In genetics, a mutagen (Latin, literally origin of change) is a physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material, usually DNA, of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the natural background level. As many mutations cause cancer, mutagens are therefore also likely to be carcinogens. Not all mutations are caused by mutagens: so-called "spontaneous mutations" occur due to spontaneous hydrolysis, errors in DNA replication, repair and recombination.
Contents[hide]- 1 Discovery of mutagens
- 2 Effects of mutagens
- 3 Types of mutagens
- 3.1 Physical mutagens
- 3.2 DNA reactive chemicals
- 3.3 Base analogs
- 3.4 Intercalating agents
- 3.5 Metals
- 3.6 Biological agents
- 4 Protection against mutagens
- 5 Mutagen test systems
- 5.1 Bacterial systems
- 5.2 Yeast
- 5.3 Drosophila
- 5.4 Plant Assays
- 5.5 Cell culture assay
- 5.6 Chromosome check systems
- 5.7 Animal test systems
- 6 Use of mutagen in anti-cancer therapy
- 7 Mutagens in fiction
- 8 See also
- 9 References
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA mutagen is a physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the natural background level.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoMutagens is agent that causes mutation on genes or increasing it chances of being mutated. There are two types of mutagen, physical mutagens and chemical mutagens.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoa chemical or biological agent which can effect our genetic environment and change it
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What are three types of mutagens?
Mutagens may be of physical, chemical, or biologic origin. Examples of physical mutagens include Ultraviolet rays, radioactivity, and over high temperature. Examples of chemical mutagens include nicotine, pesticides, and methane. Examples of biologic mutagens include bacteria and viruses.
X rays ultraviolet light and radioactive substancesthat can chage the chemical nature of DNA are classified as?
mutagens.
Are mutagens living or nonliving?
living
Contribution of Clara sylianco in chemistry?
mutagens
What May be induced by mutagens?
Mutation!! >.^
What are the main types of mutagens?
physical mutagens-e.g. uv radiation chemical mutagens-e.g. nitrous acid biological mutagens-e.g. viral infection
What are three types of mutagens?
Mutagens may be of physical, chemical, or biologic origin. Examples of physical mutagens include Ultraviolet rays, radioactivity, and over high temperature. Examples of chemical mutagens include nicotine, pesticides, and methane. Examples of biologic mutagens include bacteria and viruses.
X rays ultraviolet light and radioactive substancesthat can chage the chemical nature of DNA are classified as?
mutagens.
Who discovered mutagens?
Barnes Devries
Who studied mutagens?
Charlesiey Ericoiey >:)
Are mutagens living or nonliving?
living
Contribution of Clara sylianco in chemistry?
mutagens
What May be induced by mutagens?
Mutation!! >.^
What type of chemicals cause mutations?
Mutagens D2
How can mutagens cause genetic mutations in spite of your body DNA repair enzymes?
Mutagens cause a change in DNA and by this way they can produce mutant DNA repair enzymes.
Explain how mutagens can cause genetic mutations in spite of your body's DNA repair enzymes?
Mutagens cause a change in DNA and by this way they can produce mutant DNA repair enzymes.
In what ways can you limit your exposure to mutagens?
You can limit your exposure to mutagens by avoiding tobacco smoke, UV radiation from the sun, and certain chemicals in pesticides and industrial settings. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding environmental pollutants can also reduce your exposure to mutagens.
