AP BIOLOGY

HEREDITY

MUTATIONS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Anything in the environment that can change or damage DNA is called a ____
A
Envirogene
B
Poison
C
Mutagen
D
Mutant
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -A mutagen is a substance or agent that causes DNA impairment that results in the alteration of the DNA sequence. This alteration of the DNA sequence is known as mutation. Any agent causing mutation is called mutagen. Mutagens can be physical mutagens, chemical mutagens, or biological mutagens.

Detailed explanation-2: -(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-3: -Mutagens: A Direct Route into the Nucleus These agents are known as mutagens, and they act by directly altering a cell’s DNA sequence. Many mutagens, by virtue of their size or structure, can slip through both cell and nuclear membranes and interact with DNA directly, usually resulting in damage.

Detailed explanation-4: -Environmental mutagens are defined as chemical and physical agents in the environment that induce genetic mutations or increase mutation rates during the human life span [1]. Most mutagens act as human carcinogens or exert genotoxic effects on the next generation via germ cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -Some of the most common mutagenic agents examples are UV light, X-rays, ROS, alkylating agents and base analogy, etc.

There is 1 question to complete.