Genotoxicity

Question 1

What are the implications of damage to genetic material for human health?

Answer 1

Damage to genetic material can lead to human diseases, decreased fertility, developmental disruptions, neurological issues, and various cancers.

Question 2

Define mutation in context of genetics

Answer 2

defined as INHERITABLE changes in the genetic material, which can occur in somatic or germ cells

Question 2

what was demonstrated by Charlotte Auerbach and others in 1942?

Answer 2

Demonstrated the first chemically-induced mutation by mustard gas in Drosophilia

Question 3

What are the consequences of mutations in human health?

Answer 3

mutation can lead to cancer, reproductive effects, teratogenesis, aging issues, neurological and autoimmune diseases, and genetic susceptibility to diseases.

Question 4

What is a genotoxic agent?

Answer 4

defined as any agent which can induce or produce heritable changes in the genetic apparatus that controls somatic cells, potentially leading to malignant transformation.

Question 5

List the types of genotoxic agents based on their sources

Answer 5

1. Physical agents: Ionising radiations (gamma-rays, X-rays), non-ionising radiations (UV radiation).
2. Chemical agents: Industrial products, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and organic pollutants.

Question 6

What are the molecular lesions induced in DNA?

Answer 6

Molecular lesions can include base pair substitutions, frameshift mutations, and structural changes in chromosomes.

Question 7

Explain the concept of mutagenesis and its role in evolution.

Answer 7

Mutagenesis refers to the process by which mutations occur, and while a low level of mutagenesis is advantageous for survival and evolution, it can also lead to diseases and resistance in pathogens.

Question 8

What is the difference between oncogenes and anti-oncogenes?

Answer 8

Oncogenes are genes that can promote cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels, while anti-oncogenes (tumor suppressor genes) help prevent uncontrolled cell growth.

Question 9

What is the role of oxidative lesions in human health?

Answer 9

Accumulation of oxidative lesions due to normal metabolism is implicated in premature aging and neurodegeneration

Question 10

What are UV-induced pyrimidine dimers?

Answer 10

UV-induced pyrimidine dimers are lesions formed in DNA when UV light causes the bonding of adjacent thymine or cytosine bases

Question 11

What can UV-induced pyrimidine dimers lead to?

Answer 11

potential replication errors

Question 12

What is the significance of programmed mutagenesis of immunoglobulin genes?

Answer 12

promotes diversity in antibodies, providing a dynamic defense against invading pathogens

Question 13

How do electrophiles interact with DNA?

Answer 13

Electrophiles, which are molecules short of electrons, react with nucleophilic areas of DNA bases, leading to base pair alterations and potential mutations.

Question 14

What is the role of DNA damage in carcinogenesis?

Answer 14

DNA damage contributes to carcinogenesis by causing mutations that can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and ultimately cancer.

Question 15

What kinds of mutations can result from base pair alterations due to DNA damage?

Answer 15

silent mutations
missense mutations
frameshift mutations.

Question 16

What charge properties are associated with DNA and its components?

Answer 16

The phosphate backbone of DNA is negatively charged, while DNA bases (A, C, G, T) carry a net positive charge, creating a hydrophilic-hydrophobic interaction.

Question 17

What is Neoplastic Progression?

Answer 17

the stepwise process through which normal cells transform into malignant cancer cells.