Mutagenic substances

Mutagenic substances are a heterogeneous group of physical, chemical, or biological agents capable of inducing permanent changes in the genetic material (DNA) of organisms, resulting in mutations. Chemical mutagens (such as alkylating agents, benzo[a]pyrene, acrylamide, or nitroso compounds), physical mutagens (such as ionizing radiation and ultraviolet light), and biological mutagens (such as certain viruses and bacteria) all fall within this category. These agents act by damaging DNA, altering nucleotide bases, causing strand breaks, or interfering with DNA repair mechanisms, which may result in point mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, or gene amplifications. Mutagenic substances are of major importance in toxicology, pharmacology, and public health, as many carcinogens exhibit mutagenic effects and their presence increases the risk of cancer, genetic diseases, and reproductive toxicity.

Other names

mutagensmutagenic agentsmutagenic chemicalsmutagenic compoundsDNA-damaging agents