Mutagens can induce mutations through various mechanisms:
Base Pair Substitution: Mutagens can cause incorrect base pairing during DNA replication, leading to permanent changes in the DNA sequence. Frameshift Mutations: Some chemical mutagens cause insertions or deletions of nucleotides, altering the reading frame of the genetic code. Chromosomal Aberrations: Physical mutagens like ionizing radiation can cause large-scale changes in chromosome structure, such as deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations.
