Deck 10: Damage to Nuclear Structuresdna: Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis

Question 1

How was thimerosal's (used in vaccine production) damage to the nuclear membrane assessed?

Answer 1

The 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihyrdrochloride dye exclusion test (non-intercalating DNA-specific dye).

Question 2

What kind of mutations does N-ethyl N-nitrosourea cause?

Answer 2

Point mutations with AT to TA transversions or AT to GC transitions.

Question 3

Why are PAHs involved in frameshift mutations?

Answer 3

Their planar structure allows them to intercalate in the space between adjacent base pairs causing unwinding of the double helix, lengthening of the DNA strand, and mutagenesis. Topoisomerase II can be involved in this process as well.

Question 4

How is the cis-dichloro, diaminoplatinum compound (cis-platinum) a cross-linking agent?

Question 5

Why would interference with topoisomerase II cause clastogenesis?

Question 6

What is the difference between genotoxic carcinogens and cell proliferation agents?

Question 7

How is the Comet assay interpreted?