What are mutagens and carcinogens associated with?

A mutagen is a substance or agent that induces heritable change in cells or organisms. A carcinogen is a substance that induces unregulated growth processes in cells or tissues of multicellular animals, leading to the disease called cancer (Fig.

How are carcinogens related to mutations?

The carcinogenic process is probably initiated by a mutation that produces a mutator phenotype cell [4]. Such a mutation is supposed to result in a deficiency (al- teration, inactivation or gene loss) of a caretaker or gate- keeper gene, with the consequence that DNA damage will be converted more often into a mutation.

What are mutagens carcinogens examples?

Anything that causes a mutation (a change in the DNA of a cell). DNA changes caused by mutagens may harm cells and cause certain diseases, such as cancer. Examples of mutagens include radioactive substances, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, and certain chemicals.

Are carcinogens oncogenes?

A carcinogen is a chemical that can cause cancer, by altering the DNA in a cell. Normal cells have genes called proto-onco genes (literally “before cancer genes”) that control cell division. A carcinogen can change these genes into oncogenes that cause cancer.

How are mutagens and carcinogens related in biology?

Carcinogens that do not directly damage DNA include substances that accelerate cell division, thereby leaving less opportunity for cell to repair induced mutations, or errors in replication. Carcinogens that act as mutagens may be biological, physical, or chemical in nature, although the term is most often used in relation to chemical substances.

Can a chemical mutagen be used on ES cells?

Several chemical mutagens have been successfully used to mutagenize mouse ES cells, and the potential exists for the use of almost any mutagen. When chemical mutagens or radiation damage DNA during G1, DNA replication is postponed until the damage is repaired.

Which is an intercalating agent in a mutagen?

Intercalating agents such as ethidium bromide and metals such as nickel, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium are also mutagenic. Biological agents such as transposon, virus, and bacteria also cause mutations.

Which is an example of an endogenous mutagenic agent?

Most mutagens are endogenous agents that are present in the cell under normal physiological conditions and include reactive oxygen species and alkylating agents. Mutagens are also present in the environment and include sunlight and a multitude of chemicals that may be ingested in the foods that we eat or in the air that we breathe.

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