GEMET
General
Multilingual
Environmental
Thesaurus
mutagen
Definition

An agent that raises the frequency of mutation above the spontaneous rate. An agent that causes changes to plants and animals, particularly to their genetic material and especially at the time of reproduction. Certain chemicals and forms of radiation are powerful mutagens that damage the DNA, or genetic material in the centre of every cell of a living organism.

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Scope note

Scope note is not available.

Concept URL: http://www.eionet.europa.eu/gemet/concept/5459