12/29/23, 1:25 AM Mutagens - Explore What Are Mutagens and its Types

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Mutagens

“A mutagen is defined as any physical or chemical substance that can change the genetic material of an organism, thereby causing a
mutation.”

Table of Contents
Introduction

Discovery of Mutagens

Types of Mutagens

Effects of Mutagens

Protection Against Mutagens

Mutagens in Anti-cancer roles

Introduction
Mutations are natural, but the mutations brought about by the mutagens are above the natural background level. Furthermore, most mutations
have the potential to cause cancer, hence, mutagens are possibly carcinogenic in nature.

Discovery of Mutagens
The first ever instance of mutagens was linked to carcinogenic substances more than 2,000 years prior to the discovery of DNA. Though knowledge
of radioactivity or carcinogens was non-existent during that time, its effects were clearly recorded throughout history.

One of the well-documented cases of exposure to mutagens was miners working in poorly ventilated mines. The miners were described to have a
“wasting disease”, which was later identified to be lung cancer. This was caused due to the accumulation of radon, a colourless, tasteless, odourless
gas that is classified as a health hazard today due to its radioactivity.

Read More: Mutation (https://byjus.com/biology/what-is-the-molecular-basis-of-mutation/)

Types of Mutagens
Mutagens can be classified into 3 types based on their origin. They are as follows:

Physical mutagens: These include ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays and alpha particles. Ultraviolet radiations can also behave as
potential mutagens.

Chemical mutagens: Elements such as arsenic, nickel and chromium are considered to be mutagens. Some organic compounds like benzene
are also considered to be mutagenic in nature.

Biological mutagens: Examples of biological mutagens involve transposons and viruses. Furthermore, certain bacteria such as Helicobacter
pylori can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

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Mutagens are substances that alter or change the genetic material of an organism, hence they are termed genotoxic. In most cases, the mutagens
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Playincite carcinogenic responses or impair the functions of certain genes. Or they can completely ride a gene of its functionality, thereby causing
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12/29/23, 1:25 AM Mutagens - Explore What Are Mutagens and its Types
However, the effects of most mutagens cannot be substantiated from a scientific perspective. For instance, a mutagen that shows a possible
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carcinogenic effect on one organism may not hold true for another organism.
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Some mutagens cause

Click to Chat on silent mutations, where there are no visible effects because these affect the non-coding DNA. Other mutations are much
more noticeable and can cause debilitating or lethal implications in their host.
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Also Read: Genetic Code and Mutation (https://byjus.com/biology/genetic-code-mutation/)

Protection Against Mutagens

As mentioned above, there are many types of mutagens. Exposure to physical mutagens obviously involves limiting or avoiding high-energy
radiation.

The effects of some chemical mutagens can be reduced through the help of antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables and are
heralded as anticarcinogenic compounds. In other words, antioxidants inhibit the onset of cancer.

Mutagens in Anti-cancer roles

Certain mutagens are highly toxic to proliferating cells and as a result, some are used to eradicate cancer cells. However, an obvious downside is
that the mutagen can also affect the non-cancerous cells, leading to undesirable side effects such as hair loss.

For example, we do know that ionizing radiation can be carcinogenic, and can damage the cell’s DNA. But it is for the same property that mutagens
are used as a part of cancer treatment. Mutagens (specifically a combination of ionizing radiation and intercalating agents) can effectively destroy
cancer cells’ DNA, impairing the ability to proliferate or spread.

Also Read: Molecular Basis of Mutation (https://byjus.com/biology/what-is-the-molecular-basis-of-mutation/)

To know more about mutagens, its types and effects, keep visiting BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Is sunlight a mutagen?

The sunlight contains UV rays that act as mutagens. It can damage the DNA on prolonged exposure, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Q2 Are viruses mutagens?

Viruses are environmental mutagenic agents. These occur when the fragments of viral DNA get inserted into the host chromosome.

Q3 How do mutagens cause cancer?

Mutagens can alter the DNA structure and cause mutations in the DNA. Deleterious mutation can cause aberrant, impaired or loss of function for
a particular gene.

Test your Knowledge on Mutagens!

Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!

Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button

Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz

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