Question

Which of these cause biological mutation?

• A. Nitroarene
• B. Lead
• C. Methyl mercury
• D. Asbestos

Answer 1

The correct option is A Nitroarene

Biological mutation refers to change in chemical structure of gene that alters the genetic message carried by that gene.

Lead is a carcinogen substance that can cause cancer. It mainly affects lungs, brain and nervous system. It shows mutagen only at at very high concentration.

Methyl mercury is potential inhibitor of spindle formation thereby causing non-disjunction of anaphase chromosomes causing chromosomal doubling.

Asbestos fibres are inhaled easily and cause lung infections and disorders of pleura but no chemical change in gene structure.

Nitroarenes are nitrogen derivatives of arene; example, 2-aminopurine. It is a purine analogue that acts like adenine and form two hydrogen bonds with thymine. Its enol form pair with cytosine which means that its keto form replaces adenine and its enol form replaces guanine thereby causing transition mutations.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.