Question

question 5 (5 points)
which term refers to substances that cause cancer?
a) mutagens
b) oncogenes
c) initiators
d) carcinogens

Explanation:

🆕 New Concept Discovered: Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis
Understanding agents that damage DNA and promote cancer.

Step 1: Define the given terms

To find the correct term, let's look at the definition of each option:

• Mutagens: Physical or chemical agents that change the genetic material (DNA) of an organism, increasing the frequency of mutations. While many mutagens can lead to cancer, the term specifically refers to DNA alteration, not the disease itself.
• Oncogenes: Mutated genes that have the potential to cause a normal cell to become a cancerous cell. These are internal genetic factors rather than external "substances."
• Initiators: Substances that start the process of carcinogenesis by causing initial, irreversible DNA damage. This is a specific stage in cancer development rather than the general term for cancer-causing substances.
• Carcinogens: Any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing cancer.

Step 2: Match the definition to the question

The question asks for the term that refers generally to "substances that cause cancer."

The prefix carcino- comes from the Greek word for cancer (karkinos), and the suffix -gen means producer or creator. Therefore, carcinogens literally translates to "cancer creators."

Answer:

d) carcinogens