Genotoxicity: Mechanisms, Testing Guidelines and Methods

Abstract

Genotoxicity is one of the major causes for cancer. Genotoxins are agents that can cause the damage of DNA or chromosomal structure thereby causing mutations. It can be chemical or radiation. This damage in the somatic cells will lead to various diseases ranging to cancer whereas the damage to the germ cell will lead to heritable diseases. Better identification and understanding of genotoxins would enable us to prevent the potential damage that can be caused by these genotoxic agents. In this article we discuss about the basic of genotoxicity and the importance of genotoxic studies.