Final answer:
Mutagens are agents that cause changes in DNA and include chemical mutagens, like nitrous acid and intercalating agents, and types of radiation like X-rays and ultraviolet light. These can lead to various types of DNA mutations, some of which might result in cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of Mutagens
Two examples of mutagens that can cause changes in DNA are:
- Chemical mutagens: These include substances like nitrous acid, which can deaminate cytosine to uracil, altering base-pairing rules and leading to mutations after several rounds of DNA replication. Another example is the intercalating agents like ethidium bromide and acridine orange, which slide between DNA bases and may cause frameshift mutations.
- Radiation: Ionizing radiations such as X-rays and gamma rays can cause breaks in DNA and chemical alterations to bases. Nonionizing radiation such as ultraviolet light can produce pyrimidine dimers, which interfere with DNA replication and transcription, potentially leading to mutations.
Not all mutagens are carcinogenic, but many can lead to cancers due to their ability to alter the genetic material. Testing for carcinogens through various methods can help identify mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic substances.