Ch 15.2 definitions

Question 1

Spontaneous mutation

Answer 1

A mutation occurring in the absence of exposure to mutagens

Question 2

Induced mutation

Answer 2

A mutagen that arises through the action of an agent that increases the rate at which mutations occur

Question 3

Mutagen

Answer 3

An agent capable of increasing the mutation rate

Question 4

Ionizing radiation (IR)

Answer 4

From gamma rays and x rays
-Causes mutations by generating reactive oxygen species through radiolysis of water and disruption of mitochondrial functions

Question 5

Ames Test

Answer 5

a way to test whether a chemical compound is mutagenic by exposing special mutant bacterial strains to the product formed by that compound’s digestion by liver extract and then counting the number of colonies.
Only new mutations, presumably produced by the compound, can produce revertants to wild types able to form colonies