Transcript Mutagens, Teratogens, Carcinogens.. OH My

Mutagens, Teratogens,
Carcinogens.. OH My
Mutagens
• Substance that causes a mutation, a
change in DNA
– Examples
• Ethidium bromide – dye used during gel
electrophoresis
• Sudan IV – chemical used to test for the
presence of lipids (fats)
• U V Radiation, Ionizing radiation (X-rays)
Mutations can change the message of genes
Mutations:
• changes in DNA
base sequence
• caused by errors
in DNA replication,
recombination, or
by mutagens
• substituting, inserting,
or deleting nucleotides
also alters a gene
“point mutation”…may or may
not alter amino acid sequence
“frame-shift mutation”…most
devastating to protein structure
MUTANTS
• Mutant Animals!
Teratogens
• Substance that causes damage to an
embryo or fetus
– Examples
• Drugs – cocaine
• Alcohol – fetal alcohol syndrome
• Medications –THALIDOMIDE is an anti-nausea and
sedative drug that was introduced in the late 1950s to
be used as a sleeping pill, and was quickly discovered
to help pregnant women with the effects of morning
sickness. It was sold from 1957 until 1962, when it was
withdrawn after being found to be a teratogen, which
caused many different forms of birth defects.
Carcinogens
• Any substance that is involved with
causing cancer
– Examples
• Cigarette smoking
• Asbestos
• Radiation
• Chemicals such as dioxin
– ***Symptoms may not appear until 10-50 years
AFTER exposure!***