Question

Why is it important to investigate the mutagenicity of common substances?

Answer 1

Mutagens are substances that cause mutation, ie, change the sequence of genetic information on DNA. Mutagenecity is the ability of a substance to cause mutation.

Mutation act to change the genetic information thereby, leading to genetic disorders. It is important to check mutatgenicity of common substances such as food, drugs, cosmetics so that they do not become harmful to us. If uses or consumed they will mutate our DNA, and this mutation may pass on to the next generation.

We must know the metabolic products into which our food gets broken down into our body, because not only some food item, but its break down products can also be mutagenic in nature. We must ensure that the drug we are using is not mutagenic in nature. Some formulations of cosmetics may turn mutagenic when exposed to sunlight. Radiations like X rays which are of clinical importance are also mutagenic. There is a limit to exposure of such rays with the body.

Note that, not only components of a substance can be mutagenic but its break down products and exposure to external environment can make it mutagenic.

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