mutagenic

American  

[myoo-tuh-jen-ik] / ˌmyu təˈdʒɛn ɪk /

adjective

Genetics.

1. capable of inducing mutation or increasing its rate.

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Other Word Forms

• mutagenically adverb
• mutagenicity noun

Etymology

Origin of mutagenic

First recorded in 1945–50; muta(tion) + -genic

Explanation

Something that makes genes mutate, or change, is mutagenic. Most substances that are mutagenic also cause cancer. Things that are mutagenic often turn out to also be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, since genetic mutations so often cause cancer in cells. Some common things that are mutagenic include x-rays, chemicals found in tobacco, metals like arsenic, and even some viruses and bacteria. Mutagenic comes from mutagen, which combines mutation, "action of changing," and -gen, or "thing that produces."

Example Sentences

The epigenetic changes caused by the toxic agent could directly contribute to the origin of the mentioned diseases, beyond its known mutagenic properties.

From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2023

There, Kamala's abilities - stemmed by a secret alien gene - are activated by a mutagenic gas.

From BBC • Jul. 13, 2022

In the books, Kamala first comes into her powers after being exposed to a mutagenic mist that activates dormant Inhuman genes in unsuspecting people who don’t know they aren’t fully human.

From The Verge • Jun. 10, 2022

Earth’s early environment was full of extreme places with little oxygen in the atmosphere, no ozone to shield Earth’s surface from mutagenic radiation, less geologic upheaval and volcanic activity.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

As yet there has been no comprehensive study aimed at testing the mutagenic effects of pesticides as such.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson