Define the term mutagen using an example.
Question
Define the term mutagen using an example.
Solution
A mutagen is a physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material, usually DNA, of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the natural background level. As many mutations can cause cancer, mutagens are therefore also likely to be carcinogens. They can alter the DNA by changing the nucleotide sequence, the long string of building blocks in DNA.
An example of a mutagen is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When UV light hits our skin, it can damage the DNA in our skin cells. This damage can cause the DNA to mutate, which can lead to skin cancer if
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