AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -(MYOO-tuh-jen) 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.

Detailed explanation-2: -A genotoxin is a chemical or agent that can cause DNA or chromosomal damage. Such damage in a germ cell has the potential to cause a heritable altered trait (germline mutation).

Detailed explanation-3: -Nickel, chromium, cobalt, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, and iron are a number of the standard metal ions that cause mutations. The metal ions work by producing ROS (reactive oxygen species), hindering the DNA repair pathway, causing DNA hypermethylation, or may directly damage the DNA.

Detailed explanation-4: -Mutagens can be physical mutagens, chemical mutagens, or biological mutagens. The ability of a substance to induce the alterations in the base pairs of DNA or mutation is known as mutagenicity.

Detailed explanation-5: -Chemical mutagens-They include different types of chemicals that cause mutation. E.g.; EMS (Ethyl methane sulphonate). Physical mutagens-They include all types of irradiations. E.g.; gamma rays, ultraviolet rays etc.