| mutagen | <chemistry, oncology> An agent that can cause an increase in the rate of mutation, includes X-rays, ultraviolet irradiation (260 nm) and various chemicals. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| intercalating mutagen | A mutagen that causes frame-shift mutations by inserting itself between two adjacent bases in a genetic sequence. (09 Oct 1997) |
| frameshift mutagen | <molecular biology> A mutagen, such as an acridine derivative, that causes a frameshift mutation; codons (base triplets) are read out of phase and different amino acids are made. (05 Mar 2000) |