Purchase Solution

Mutagens

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

A friend insists that all mutagens are dangerous. How would you respond?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution defines mutagens and identifies the common types. It also explains the situations where they present a danger to organisms and when they are completely harmless.

Solution Preview

Mutagens are chemical agents (or even ultraviolet or ionizing radiation) which can induce changes (or mutations) in the structure or sequence of DNA. What are some of the common types of mutations? There are additions (which insert base pairs into the chain), ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Birth 101

Do you know about childbirth? Find out with this quiz.

The Heart

This quiz test the understanding of the heart and some of its parts. It is important to understand how the heart functions and what makes it function.

Feeding Babies

Do you know the science behind feeding babies? Test your knowledge with this quiz.

The Transfer of Energy in an Ecosystem

This quiz will assess your knowledge of how energy is transferred in an ecosystem and the different levels of trophic organization.

Labor Comfort Measures

Do you know how to comfort someone in labor?

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Cystic Fibrosis and Point Mutations

    A pregnant woman exposed to mutagens can lead to birth defects, which may be caused by mutagens injuring developing organs, they may also kill, deform, or retard the growth of the embryo.

  • Cancer and pollution

    Genesis of cancer lies in faulty genes which may occurs due to some mutagens.

  • Mutations in codons

    EMS (Ethylmethane sulfonate ) could be one of the mutagens. EMS mainly causes the transition mutation. The expert examines mutations in codons.

  • Genetic Mutations

    He treated the cells with different mutagens with the following results to the protein: â?¢ Normal: phe-his-gly-cys-gly â?¢ Treatment #1: phe-his-gly-cys â?¢ Treatment #2: ser-his-gly-cys-gly â?

  • Introduction to oncogens

    Chemical and biological mutagens may insert themselves into the DNA and damage the DNA so that when the cell replicates, its genetic code is forever changed. Oncogens are the agents that induce such a change.

  • Mutations

    The usual causes of genetic mutation in humans are their exposure to radiation, chemicals, viruses, and other mutagens.

  • RNA polymerases during Replication or Transcription

    Direct base and nucleotide excision repair recognize and act upon DNA damage caused by mutagens. This means that they search for abnormal chemical structures such as modified nucleotides, cyclobutyl dimers and intrastrand crosslinks.

  • Genetic Mutation and Blood Disorders

    The usual causes of genetic mutation in humans are their exposure to radiation, chemicals, viruses, and other mutagens.

  • Ames test to determine if an external agent can act as a mutagen

    Are any of the chemicals putative mutagens? If so, what type of mutations do they cause? Justify your answer.

View More Related Solutions