mutageny

Mutageny is a term used in some languages to refer to agents or processes that induce genetic mutations in organisms. In English-language scientific writing, the common term is mutagens (or mutagenic agents), while mutageny can appear in texts translated from other languages or in discussions about mutagenesis as a concept. Mutagens increase the rate at which mutations occur in DNA, which can affect genes, genomes, and phenotypes.

Mutagenic agents span three broad categories: chemical mutagens, physical mutagens, and biological mutagens. Chemical mutagens include alkylating agents, base analogs, and intercalating compounds that alter DNA structure or replication fidelity. Physical mutagens encompass ionizing radiation (such as X-rays and gamma rays) and ultraviolet radiation, which cause DNA damage like breaks or pyrimidine dimers. Biological mutagens involve viruses, transposons, or other mobile genetic elements that disrupt DNA or its regulation. Some mutagens are direct-acting, causing damage without metabolic activation, while others are promutagens that require metabolic processing to become active.

Mutagenicity is assessed with experimental assays, most notably the Ames test, which uses bacterial strains to detect reverse mutations. Other methods include comet assays and micronucleus tests in eukaryotic cells. Mutagens are studied for their roles in evolution, genetic research, and biotechnology, but many are also environmental carcinogens, raising safety and regulatory concerns. Understanding mutageny and mutagenicity helps researchers evaluate risks, design mutagenesis experiments, and implement exposure controls in industry and medicine.