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A mutagen is an agent that changes the genetic material (usually DNA) of a cell which leads to a change in the frequency of mutation in a cell.

A cell exposed to X-ray radiation of sufficient energy is subjected to ionising radiation. Ionising radiation is capable of displacing orbital electrons from their parent atoms. Thus atoms exposed to X-rays of sufficient energy become ionised.

DNA is a molecular structure. Molecules are the electrically neutral grouping of at least two atoms by a covalent chemical bond.

So exposing a cell to X-ray radiation (with sufficient energy) will change the charge of the atoms of the molecules of the cell.

Attacking DNA molecules in this fashion produces free radicals within the DNA molecule. Free radicals are a type of oxidising agent which is a type of mutagen that changes the DNA sequence.

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12y ago

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