| 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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| mutagenesis | The development of mutations. (09 Oct 1997) |
| mutagenesis, insertional | Mutagenesis where the mutation is caused by the introduction of foreign DNA sequences into a gene. This may occur spontaneously in vivo or be experimentally induced in vivo or in vitro. Proviral DNA can be inserted into or adjacent to a cellular proto-oncogene. Insertion of the provirus can cause mutations by interrupting coding sequences or regulatory elements, or cause unregulated expression of the proto-oncogene resulting in tumour formation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| mutagenesis, site-directed | Mutagenesis where the mutation is caused by in vitro induction directed at a specific site in a DNA molecule. The most common method involves use of a chemically synthesised oligonucleotide mutant which can hybridise with the DNA target molecule. The resulting mismatch-carrying DNA duplex may then be transfected into a bacterial cell line and the mutant strands recovered. (12 Dec 1998) |
| mutagenic | <genetics, molecular biology> Inducing genetic mutation. Origin: Gr. Gennan = to produce (18 Nov 1997) |
| mutagenicity test | <investigation> Range of tests using biological systems to see whether compounds can cause mutations. (14 Nov 1997) |
| mutagenicity tests | Tests of chemical substances and physical agents for mutagenic potential. They include microbial, insect, mammalian cell, and whole animal tests. (12 Dec 1998) |
| mutagens | Chemical agents that increase the rate of genetic mutation by interfering with the function of nucleic acids. A clastogen is a specific mutagen that causes breaks in chromosomes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| intercalating mutagen | A mutagen that causes frame-shift mutations by inserting itself between two adjacent bases in a genetic sequence. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| 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) |