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A metabolite of benzopyrene forms an intercalated DNA adduct, at center. In molecular genetics, a DNA adduct is a segment of DNA bound to a cancer-causing chemical. This process could lead to the development of cancerous cells, or carcinogenesis. DNA adducts in scientific experiments are used as biomarkers of exposure.
The first mutagens to be identified were carcinogens, substances that were shown to be linked to cancer. Tumors were described more than 2,000 years before the discovery of chromosomes and DNA; in 500 B.C., the Greek physician Hippocrates named tumors resembling a crab karkinos (from which the word "cancer" is derived via Latin), meaning crab. [1]
Carcinogens can be classified as genotoxic or nongenotoxic. Genotoxins cause irreversible genetic damage or mutations by binding to DNA. Genotoxins include chemical agents like N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) or non-chemical agents such as ultraviolet light and ionizing radiation. Certain viruses can also act as carcinogens by interacting with DNA.
The central role of DNA damage and epigenetic defects in DNA repair genes in carcinogenesis. DNA damage is considered to be the primary cause of cancer. [17] More than 60,000 new naturally-occurring instances of DNA damage arise, on average, per human cell, per day, due to endogenous cellular processes (see article DNA damage (naturally occurring)).
Genotoxicity is the property of chemical agents that damage the genetic information within a cell causing mutations, which may lead to cancer.While genotoxicity is often confused with mutagenicity, all mutagens are genotoxic, but some genotoxic substances are not mutagenic.
Ames test procedure. The Ames test is a widely employed method that uses bacteria to test whether a given chemical can cause mutations in the DNA of the test organism. More formally, it is a biological assay to assess the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds. [1]
The micronucleus test is another type of assay that uses gut cells to observe clastogens, and there are a few different types. The micronucleus test on gut cells is useful because in the case of the bone marrow micronucleus test there is not much activity seen after there has been oral exposure therefore more activity is seen in the gut cells.
These changes do not cause a heavy distortion in the double helix of DNA and thus are hard to detect by the DNA mismatch repair system. In organic chemistry, MNNG is used as a source of diazomethane when reacted with aqueous potassium hydroxide. [4] MNNG is a probable human carcinogen listed as an IARC Group 2A carcinogen. [5]