Bio 2C03 Chemical Mutagens

Nucleotide Base Analogs

-a chemical with a similar structure to DNA

-incorporates into DNA during replication and induce point mutation

Deaminating Agents

-removes amino groups

-can stimulate a C-G pair to become T-A

Alkylating Agents

-add methyl or ethyl groups to nucleotide bases, causing distortion in DNA helix, leading to mutations

Oxidizing Agents

-oxidizes nucleotide base, usually resulting in a transversion mutation

Hydroxylating Agents

-add hydroxyl groups to a nucleotide base, usually resulting in a modified cytosine pairing with A

Intercalating Agents

-molecules that fit between DNA bp’s, distorting the DNA duplex, leading to lesions that may result in frameshift mutations