AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A mutagen is a chemical or physical agent capable of inducing changes in DNA called mutations. Examples of mutagens include tobacco products, radioactive substances, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation and a wide variety of chemicals.

Detailed explanation-2: -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: -UV radiation is a toxic mutagen and was expected to decrease the viability of the cells but also increase the probability of the emergence of mutants.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hermann Joseph Muller conducted three experiments in 1926 and 1927 that demonstrated that exposure to x-rays, a form of high-energy radiation, can cause genetic mutations, changes to an organism’s genome, particularly in egg and sperm cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -The most commonly used chemical mutagens are alkylating agents such as ethylmethane sulfonate and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea that induce point mutations in DNA.