Q. Among the following which one is the mutagenic agent?

A) Visible light
B) Penicillin
C) Formalin
D) Water vapour
Explanation

The non-ionizing radiations of visible light (UV rays) have been found to produce mutagens in culture media, which induced mutations in irradiated organism placed in these media for few hours. These rays cause hydration of cytosine and thymine. In humans, it causes DNA damage producing thymine dimers, however, generally it does not create any serious problem due to DNA repair system.

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.