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

While exposure to mutagenic chemicals, or mistakes in cellular processes during DNA replication contribute to these mutations, the exact distribution and patterns of these changes across human chromosomes have remained a mystery until now.

From Science Daily • Jan. 10, 2024

They said they had built “a mutagenic chain reaction.”

From Scientific American • Jan. 13, 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

According to this authority, “The peak between three and four years of age can hardly have any other interpretation than exposure of the young organism to a mutagenic stimulus around the time of birth.”

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson