How do mutagens affect DNA?

Answer 1

They can cause DNA damage which will either be repaired or result in mutations - these mutations can lead to inversions, duplications, deletions or translocations. If you don't understand that then stop being so lazy and go and look in a bloomin' book instead of relying on people that don't have a clue. I mean seriously most of the answers on this site are absolute rubbish written by people who don't know what they're talking about.

Answer 2

Mutagens are physical or chemical agents that alter the DNA. Since the DNA is the command-line for every cell in your body, this will severely screw up that cell/those cells affected by the mutagen.

This can cause anatomical mutations, though, post birth, they are rarely as organized as you might see in a movie or a TV show (such as a super-hero), and more often than not, can cause cancer in at least one of the cells affected.

Pre-birth, mutagens cause birth defects. This can range anywhere from an extra finger, to an enlarged skull, to any birth defect that is not attributed entirely to the parents' genes.

Answer

The method of action depends on the mutagen in question. Some mechanisms are as yet unknown and chemicals are still tested for their carcinogenic and tetragenic potential.

As an example the shape of a benzene molecule is such that it may fit into the major grove of a DNA double helix. Once there, the negativly charged regions of benzene can disrupt the bonding of the DNA's sugar phosphate backbone causing cleavage. If the organism is unable to adequetly repair the region, mutation may occur.

Answer 3

It mutates dexyribose nucleic acid or, DNA for short, which can change where each nucleotide is placed, it casuses harmless, benficial, and harmful effects; the harmless being most common when compared in the effects ratio of all mutagens. The harmful effects can cause serious diseases and Cancer, which is the mutation of a gene that controls cell division. The mutation causes uncontrolled cell division.

Answer 4

C. Causes a permanent change in the genetic material (DNA)

Answer 5

Mutagens are physical or chemical agents that alters the DNA structure of an organism. The first mutagens to be identified were carcinogens or cancer causing substances.

Answer 6

it affects DNA by changing the chemical structure of the bases.often these changes cause bases to mispair,or bond,with the wrong bases.

Answer 7

A change in the sequence of DNA

Answer 8

something something

Answer 9

cancer