MUTAGEN

Mutations are defined as permanent alterations in the genetic material-most commonly DNA-of an organism. These changes can occur naturally or be induced by external factors. Spontaneous mutations arise without any known external influence, typically due to errors in DNA replication or natural background radiation, and they tend to occur at relatively low frequencies. In contrast, induced mutations result from exposure to mutagenic agents, which may be of chemical, physical, or biological origin. These artificially induced mutations occur more frequently and are widely used in experimental genetics to study gene function and genome stability.Among these, chemical mutagens are extensively utilized in genetic research as reliable tools for inducing mutations under controlled laboratory conditions. Over the years, numerous chemicals have been tested for their mutagenic potential using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, a widely accepted model organism in genetic studies due to its short life cycle and well-mapped genome.Chemical agents such as copper sulfate (CuSO ), urea-alkali mixtures, nitrogen mustards, mustard gas, Chemical agents such as copper sulfate (CuSO ).

Autorentext

Dr M Shanthala having more than 16 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Toxicology, Cytogenetics and Biotechnology.