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 body . Mutation does not occur on its own. The cause is always a mutagenic factor.
What are mutagenic factors?
Changes in genes and chromosomes are studied by the science of genetics. She also gives a scientific definition of mutagens.
Mutagenic factors are chemical or physical agents that cause changes in the genetic material of a cell. The nature of these agents may be different; 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 main groups.
Exposure to cell-hostile agents can be directed directly to DNA, and then the molecule of the genetic material loses its original structure. Some mutagens interfere with cell division, and as a result, hereditary material is not distributed correctly. However, there are substances that cannot be attributed to mutagens in themselves. But the impact on such a chemical compound of certain enzymes turns it into a real mutagenic factor. These substances having a mutagenic “potential” are called promutagens.
Mutagenic factors. Examples
Mutagens of physical origin include sources of ionizing radiation, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, abnormally high or low temperatures, and humidity.
For example, ultraviolet radiation waves having a length of more than 260 nm are absorbed by the leaf cell of the plant and cause the formation of uncharacteristic pyrimidine dimers (compounds in the DNA chain), which, in turn, cause errors in the reading of genetic material. As a result, new cells receive DNA molecules with the “wrong” structure.
Many chemicals relate to mutagens and promutagens. Examples include reactive oxygen species, nitrates and nitrites, certain metals, drugs, and those substances that did not exist in nature before the advent of mankind (household chemicals, food additives, and preservatives).
For example, a pregnant woman may not be aware of her situation and take some antibiotics that are dangerous to the fetus. As a result, a child may develop congenital diseases caused by mutations.
Biological mutagens include viruses, bacteria, waste products of some protozoa and parasites.
The effect of such biological agents on the cell is a process called infectious mutagenesis. For example, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, living in the intestines and stomach of a person, can cause inflammatory processes on the mucosa. Inflammation changes the normal course of redox processes in damaged cells, which changes the structure of the genetic material in them. DNA recovery processes and the course of normal molecule division are disrupted. The result is mutations.
A few words about the process of mutagenesis
Mutagenesis is the very process of the occurrence of a mutation. What mechanisms can it happen?
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 itself changes. For example, two chromosomes under the influence of an aggressive agent exchange their sites.
A mutagenic factor can also alter the nucleic acid sequence of DNA. Interestingly, such mutations are fatal or cause very serious diseases when important nucleotides are affected, but they can also occur without pathologies if such nucleic acid sequences are not damaged.
How to protect yourself from exposure to mutagens?
Mutagenic factors are not ubiquitous, so it will still be useful to take certain preventive measures.
Antioxidants are an important group of compounds that inhibit the effects of carcinogens. They can help and protect against all kinds of hostile chemical agents. Examples of antioxidants are vitamins A, B and E, beta-carotenes and flavonoids. These substances are found in very large quantities 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, Australia has a very large number of fair-skinned people, and there is often sunny weather. The percentage of cases of melanoma in this country, unfortunately, is high.
With caution, you need to take antibiotics, be careful about food and try to minimize the consumption of preservatives. It would be ideal, of course, to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet.
Mutagenic environmental factors are strong. However, protecting yourself from their effects is quite realistic if you carefully consider your health.