Mutagen
chemical agent that increases the rate of genetic mutation by interfering with the function of nucleic acids
A mutagen is a substance or a process that changes the genetic material of an organism. Mutagens also increase the number of mutations that occur. Many mutagens also cause cancer, so they are also carcinogens. Examples of mutagens are ionizing radiation, many bromine compounds, benzene. A test to detect mutagens is the Ames test.
