Hazardous or Poisonous Substance
mutagen
mu·ta·gen [ myoo-tuh-juhn, -jen ]
Definitions related to mutagens:
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Anything that causes a mutation (a change in the DNA of a cell). 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.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Chemical or physical agent that induces or increases genetic mutations by causing changes in DNA.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Chemical agents that increase the rate of genetic mutation by interfering with the function of nucleic acids. A clastogen is a specific mutagen that causes breaks in chromosomes.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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