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mutagen |
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mutagen: see mutation mutation, in biology, a sudden, random change in a gene , or unit of hereditary material, that can alter an inheritable characteristic. Most mutations are not beneficial, since any change in the delicate balance of an organism having a high level of adaptation to its ..... Click the link for more information. . mutagenAny agent capable of altering a cell's genetic makeup by changing the structure of the hereditary material, DNA. Many forms of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., cosmic rays, X rays, ultraviolet light) are mutagenic, as are various chemical compounds. The effects of some mutagens are increased or suppressed in some organisms by the presence of certain other, nonmutagenic substances; oxygen, for example, makes cells more sensitive to the mutagenic effects of X rays. mutagen a substance or agent that can induce genetic mutation mutagen [′myüd·ə·jən] (genetics) An agent that raises the frequency of mutation above the spontaneous or background rate. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| Relative concentrations of polyaromatic primary amines and azaarenes in mutagenically active nitrogen fractions from a coal liquid. |
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