Contributing

Are there any mutagens that are not carcinogenic?

Are there any mutagens that are not carcinogenic?

Mutagens are not necessarily carcinogens, and vice versa. Sodium azide for example may be mutagenic (and highly toxic), but it has not been shown to be carcinogenic. Mutagens can cause changes to the DNA and are therefore genotoxic. They can affect the transcription and replication of the DNA, which in severe cases can lead to cell death.

What kind of damage can a mutagen do to DNA?

They may act directly on the DNA, causing direct damage to the DNA, and most often result in replication error. – Many mutagens are not mutagenic by themselves, but can form mutagenic metabolites through cellular processes. Such mutagens are called promutagens 1. Physical mutagens 2.

What do you need to know about mutagenicity?

Mutagenicity is an important toxicological endpoint that requires thorough evaluation during the industrial chemical registration process. EDMUND M.K. LUI, M. BURGER, in Information Resources in Toxicology (Third Edition), 2000 Ecotoxicity tests; soil respiration, and biological tests.

Who was the first scientist to identify mutagens?

A large number of chemical mutagens have since been identified, especially after the development of the Ames testin the 1970s by Bruce Amesthat screens for mutagens and allows for preliminary identification of carcinogens.

Which is a mutagen that can cause cell death?

Sodium azide for example may be mutagenic (and highly toxic), but it has not been shown to be carcinogenic. Mutagens can cause changes to the DNA and are therefore genotoxic. They can affect the transcription and replication of the DNA, which in severe cases can lead to cell death.

Is there a safe threshold for a mutagen?

In Ames test, where the varying concentrations of the chemical are used in the test, the dose response curve obtained is nearly always linear, suggesting that there may be no threshold for mutagenesis. Similar results are also obtained in studies with radiations, indicating that there may be no safe thresholdfor mutagens.

Is the mutagen sodium azide a carcinogen?

[24][25]Mutagens are not necessarily carcinogens, and vice versa. Sodium azidefor example may be mutagenic (and highly toxic), but it has not been shown to be carcinogenic. [26] Effects[edit]