Mutagens induce mutations by at least three different mechanisms. They can replace a base in the DNA, alter a base so that it specifically mispairs with another base, or damage a base so that it can no longer pair with any base under normal conditions.

How can mutagens cause mutations?

Carcinogens cause mutations by damaging the way the cell repairs DNA or makes proteins. If the cancer cell is not able to repair this DNA damage, then it will keep dividing to make new cells and will pass the mutation on to all the new cells that are made.

What are two mutagens that can cause mutations?

The most commonly used chemical mutagens are alkylating agents such as ethylmethane sulfonate and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea that induce point mutations in DNA.