What is a mutagenic factor and how dangerous is it?

Mutation always happens suddenly. The genetic material of the body changes: something happens inside the chromosomes or genes, and these changes are usually visible to the naked eye. In some cases, the consequences are severe, and sometimes a fatal outcome is possible for the organism . The mutation does not arise by itself. The cause is always a mutagenic factor.

What are mutagenic factors?

Changes in genes and chromosomes are studied by the science of genetics. It also gives scientific definition to mutagens.

Mutagenic factors are chemical or physical agents that cause changes in the genetic material of a cell. The nature of these agents can be different, and their classification is based on this position.

Types of mutagens

Depending on their origin, physical, chemical and biological mutagens are isolated. Any mutagenic factor can be attributed to one of these three major groups.

The effect of hostile cells on agents can be directed directly to DNA, and then the molecule of the genetic material loses its original structure. Some mutagens intervene in the process of cell division, and as a result, hereditary material is distributed incorrectly. There are, however, substances that can not be attributed to mutagens themselves. But the effect on certain chemical compounds of certain enzymes turns it into a very real mutagenic factor. These substances with a mutagenic "potential" are called promutagens.

Mutagenic factors. Examples

The mutagenes of physical origin include sources of ionizing radiation, exposure to ultraviolet light, abnormally high or low temperatures, and humidity.

For example, ultraviolet radiation waves having a length of more than 260 nm are absorbed by a plant leaf cell and cause the formation of uncharacteristic pyrimidine dimers (compounds in the DNA chain) in it, which in turn cause errors in the reading of the genetic material. As a result, new cells get DNA molecules with an "irregular" structure.

Many chemicals belong to mutagens and promutagens. Examples are active oxygen species, nitrates and nitrites, certain metals, drugs and substances that were not existed before the advent of mankind (household chemicals, food additives and preservatives).

For example, a pregnant woman may not be aware of her condition and take some antibiotics that are dangerous to the fetus. As a result, the child can develop congenital diseases caused by mutations.

Biological mutagens include viruses, bacteria, the products of vital activity of some protozoa and parasites.

The result of exposure to such biological agents on the cell is a process called infectious mutagenesis. For example, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, living in the intestine and stomach of a person, can cause inflammatory processes on the mucosa. Inflammation changes the normal course of oxidation-reduction processes in damaged cells, which changes the structure of the genetic material in them. The processes of DNA repair and the course of normal fission of the molecule are disrupted. The result is mutations.

A few words about the process of mutagenesis

Mutagenesis is the process of the mutation itself. What mechanisms can it take?

The strongest mutagenic factors cause the so-called chromosomal instability. As a result, the genetic material is either distributed unevenly in the divided cells, or the structure of the chromosome changes. For example, two chromosomes under the influence of an aggressive agent exchange their sites.

The mutagenic factor can also alter the DNA nucleic acid sequence. Interestingly, such mutations are lethal or cause very serious diseases when important nucleotides are involved, but they can also occur without pathologies if such nucleic acid sequences are not damaged.

How to protect yourself from the effects of mutagens?

Mutagenic factors are not ubiquitous, therefore it will be useful to take certain preventive measures.

Antioxidants - an important group of compounds that interfere with the effects of carcinogens. They can help and protect themselves from all sorts of hostile chemical agents. Examples of antioxidants are vitamins A, B and E, beta-carotenes and flavonoids. These substances are found in a very large amount in vegetables and fruits, as well as in green tea.

It is important to try to protect yourself from the effects of adverse physical agents, such as UV radiation or tobacco smoke. For example, in Australia there is a very large number of light-skinned people, and there often is sunny weather. The percentage of people with melanoma in this country, unfortunately, is high.

With caution, you need to take antibiotics, take good care of food and try to minimize the consumption of preservatives. Ideally, of course, it would be to adhere to the principles of healthy eating.

Mutagenic factors of the environment are strong. However, to protect yourself from their impact is quite realistic if you take care of your health.