Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Genotoxicity
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Genotoxic substances are a type of carcinogen, specifically those capable of causing genetic mutation and of contributing to the development of tumors. This includes both certain chemical compounds and certain types of radiation.
Typical genotoxins like aromatic amines are believed to cause mutations because they are electrophilic and form strong covalent bonds with DNA, preventing accurate replication.
For more information see Mutagen
References
References
- http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1996/Suppl-6/smith.html Environ Health Perspect 104(Suppl 6):1219-1225 (1996) The Mechanism of Benzene-induced Leukemia: A Hypothesis and Speculations on the Causes of Leukemia]
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]