UNIT 3 The transmission of traits MUTAGENIC AGENTS

UNIT 3 The transmission of traits MUTAGENIC AGENTS Biology and Geology 4. Secondary Education.

UNIT 3 Mutagenic agents Many mutations are not spontaneous; instead they are due to the action of mutagenic agents or physical and chemical mutagens. PHYSICAL MUTAGENS CHEMICAL MUTAGENS Click on each square to find out more Biology and Geology 4. Secondary Education

UNIT 3 Mutagenic agents Physical mutagens Ultraviolet radiation. This is electromagnetic radiation which is low in wavelength. It provokes a reaction between two contiguous bases, which form cytosine or thymine dimers. This stops these bases being able to combine with the complementary base and, furthermore, paralyses replication. They provoke skin wounds. Ionising radiations. X-rays, γ rays, etc. , can lead to the breaking up of the DNA structure. They affect all types of tissues. Biology and Geology 4. Secondary Education It is important to protect oneself from ultraviolet radiation from the sun; the effect of this radiation on DNA is associated with the appearance of skin cancer. Go back to Start menu

UNIT 3 Mutagenic agents Chemical mutagens There are many chemical agents which produce mutations, and they have diverse effects too. Some of these compounds transfer chemical groups to the nitrogen bases, leading to alterations in replication. Biology and Geology 4. Secondary Education

UNIT 3 Mutagenic agents Chemical mutagens There are many chemical agents which produce mutations, and they have diverse effects too. Others interleave themselves among the pairs of DNA bases and deform the double helix structure. Biology and Geology 4. Secondary Education

UNIT 3 Mutagenic agents Chemical mutations There are many chemical agents which produce mutations, and they have diverse effects, too. And there are others which, given their analogy with a base, substitute the base and provoke errors in the translation of the proteins. Go back to Start menu Biology and Geology 4. Secondary Education