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alkylating agent
Highly reactive chemical that introduces alkyl radicals into biologically active molecules and thereby prevents their proper functioning. It could be used as an antineoplastic agent, but it might be very toxic, with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressant actions. It could also be used as a component of poison gases.
carcinogenic agent
A role played by a chemical compound which is known to induce a process of carcinogenesis by corrupting normal cellular pathways, leading to the acquistion of tumoral capabilities.
genotoxin
A role played by a chemical compound to induce direct or indirect DNA damage. Such damage can potentially lead to the formation of a malignant tumour, but DNA damage does not lead inevitably to the creation of cancerous cells.
mutagen
An agent that increases the frequency of mutations above the normal background level, usually by interacting directly with DNA and causing it damage, including base substitution.
teratogenic agent
A role played by a chemical compound in biological systems with adverse consequences in embryo developments, leading to birth defects, embryo death or altered development, growth retardation and functional defect.
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