Multiple choice

Which of the following are used as intercalating agents in chemical mutation?

  1. Acridine orange, proflavin and ethidium bromide

  2. Nitrosoguanidine, methyl methanesulfonate and ethyl methanesulfonate

  3. NAAAF

  4. Peroxides

  5. Aminopurine
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Acridine orange, proflavin and ethidium bromide are flat, multiple ring molecules which react with DNA bases and insert between them. This insertion creates a stretching in the DNA duplex and the DNA polymerase is fooled into inserting an extra base opposite an intercalated molecule. The result is that intercalating agents cause frameshifts.

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