Chemicals can produce mutations by a number of mechanisms. Base analogs are inserted into DNA and frequently pair with the wrong base. Alkylating agents, deaminating chemicals, hydroxylamine, and oxidative radicals change the structure of DNA bases, thereby altering their pairing properties. Intercalating agents wedge between the bases and cause single-base insertions and deletions in replication.
-Base analogs are mutagenic because of which characteristic?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Base analogs are mutagenic because they are similar in structure to the normal bases, allowing them to be incorporated into DNA during replication, where they can pair incorrectly.

Chemicals Can Produce Mutations by a Number of Mechanisms