A Review on Genotoxicity

Genotoxicity studies used to investigate the potency of a compound to interact with the constitution of genetic. An alteration of the genetic code via gene mutations (point mutations) or DNA strand breaks may lead to fundamental changes DNA damage in a somatic cell may result in a somatic mutation, which may lead to malignant transformation (cancer). A genotoxin is an agent or chemical that can cause DNA or chromosomal damage. Such damage in a germ cell has the potential to cause a heritable altered trait (germline mutation). Many chemical carcinogens/mutagens undergo metabolic activation to reactive species that bind covalently to DNA, and the DNA adducts thus formed can be detected in cells and in human tissues by a variety of sensitive techniques. The present study was aimed to provide information regarding genotoxicity.