Clastogen

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Clastogen

Clastogen (pronounced: /klas-to-jen/) is a term used in the field of genetics and toxicology to describe any agent that has the ability to induce disruption or breakages in chromosomes.

Etymology

The term 'Clastogen' is derived from the Greek words 'klastos', meaning 'broken', and 'genes', meaning 'born of, produced by'. It is thus literally translated as 'produced by breaking'.

Definition

A clastogen is a mutagenic agent, giving rise to or inducing disruption or breakages of chromosomes, leading to sections of the chromosome being deleted, added, or rearranged. This process is known as clastogenesis. Clastogens are known to be highly mutagenic, especially when the affected cells are allowed to divide.

Examples

Common examples of clastogens include radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses. These agents can cause DNA damage which can lead to the formation of cancer if the damage is not repaired.

Related Terms

  • Mutagen: An agent, such as radiation or a chemical substance, which causes genetic mutation.
  • Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
  • Genotoxicity: The property of chemical agents that damages the genetic information within a cell causing mutations, which may lead to cancer.
  • Teratogen: An agent or factor which causes malformation of an embryo.

See Also

External links

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