What does mutagenic mean?
Mutagenic is an adjective meaning able to cause mutations, especially changes to DNA or other genetic material. The word is used in genetics, toxicology, medicine, and environmental science to describe substances, radiation, or biological processes that can alter the genetic information in cells. A mutagenic chemical might produce mutations in a laboratory assay, while mutagenic radiation may damage DNA through its energy. Although the term can be used more generally for anything that produces change, its established scientific meaning concerns mutation. It is related to but distinct from carcinogenic, which describes a cause of cancer rather than a cause of genetic mutation. Understanding mutagenic is important for assessing the potential biological hazards of chemicals and radiation and for interpreting experimental and public-health findings.
adjectiveCausing or tending to cause mutation, especially a change in the genetic material of a cell. In biological and environmental contexts, it describes substances, forms of radiation, or processes that can produce genetic changes.
- Causing or tending to cause mutation, especially genetic mutation.
- Having the ability to produce mutations in biological material.
"The researchers found that the chemical had strong mutagenic effects on human cells."
"Some mutagenic compounds can alter DNA in laboratory cells."
"The mutagenic effects of ultraviolet radiation are well documented."
"Scientists screened the samples for mutagenic activity before using them in experiments."
A mutagenic substance leaves a lasting molecular message behind, changing the instructions that a cell passes to its descendants.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mutagenic come from?
The word comes from the noun mutagen, which combines the Latin mutare, ‘to change’, with the suffix -gen, ‘producing’ or ‘origin’. The adjective mutagenic was formed from that root with the suffix -ic. Its relatives include mutagenesis, the process of producing mutations, and mutagenicity, the property of being mutagenic.
Related word forms
How mutagenic is actually used
This is primarily a technical term in biology, toxicology, genetics, and environmental science. It is often used with substances, radiation, agents, effects, and activity. It should not be confused with carcinogenic: mutagenicity concerns genetic mutation, while carcinogenicity concerns cancer causation.
Easily confused with mutagenic
Mutagenic means capable of causing genetic mutations, whereas carcinogenic means capable of causing cancer; a substance may have one, both, or neither property.