Final answer:
Sulfur mustard causes DNA alkylation leading to cellular mutations and death. It disrupts DNA synthesis and cell division, which can result in cancer and causes blistering on skin and mucous membranes. It can also lead to waste accumulation in cells and production of harmful reactive oxygen species.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option c) It makes the cells mutate, which damages and changes the cells and causes cellular death.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sulfur mustard is a cytotoxic chemical warfare agent that affects cells by causing alkylation of DNA. This process leads to cellular mutations and damage, eventually causing cellular death.
It interferes with DNA synthesis and the cell division process, which can lead to cancer formation or other long-term health problems in addition to the immediate cytotoxic effects.
Sulfur mustard can also cause blistering on the skin and mucous membranes through cytotoxic action, which can lead to further complications, including infections or respiratory issues if inhaled.
Exposure to this chemical could also result in the accumulation of waste products in cells, as the disrupted cellular metabolism hinders their capability to excrete waste effectively.
Moreover, the damage caused by the reactive oxygen species produced during exposure to sulfur mustard is comparable to the damage done by free radicals, which can lead to diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.