Mutagen

What is Mutagen?

Any agent that increases the rate at which mutations occur. Ionising radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, and certain chemicals are the two categories required by the Cambridge O Level Biology syllabus. A mutagen raises the probability that a mutation happens; it does not guarantee that any particular exposure causes one, and it does not determine which mutation occurs or whether the result is harmful, neutral or beneficial. Mutation remains random with respect to the needs of the organism whether or not a mutagen is present.

This definition is part of the Inheritance chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.

Concepts related to Mutagen

• Mutation
• ionising radiation
• mutation rate
• random