This video, we're going to begin our lesson on methods of inducing mutations. Recall from our previous lesson videos that induced mutations are controlled, deliberate mutations that occur due to an external source. Now, in order to increase the mutation rate in bacteria that are being studied, scientists will typically use mutagens to increase the mutation rate. Mutagens are defined as any chemical or physical agent that can cause mutations. Carcinogens are specific types of mutagens that contribute to the development of cancer, which is characterized by uncontrollable cell growth.
If we take a look at our image below, notice that the top half of the image focuses on the term "mutagen", whereas the bottom half focuses on the term "carcinogen". The top half of the image with the mutagen shows that a mutagen is any chemical or physical agent used to increase mutation rates or to cause mutations. Notice that a mutagen chemical is being added here to this bacteria, leading to mutations. However, mutagens do not necessarily lead to cancer; this mutagen does not lead to cancer but does cause a mutation, a change in the DNA sequence without necessarily leading to cancer.
The carcinogen, a specific type of mutagen, leads to the development of cancer. The carcinogen here is added to the bacterial cell and it leads to a mutation, but this mutation leads to the development of cancer. Notice the uncontrolled division of these mutated cells over here, due to the carcinogen. Thus, mutagens lead to mutations, but not necessarily to cancer, and carcinogens lead to mutations that result in the development of cancer.
Over here on the right, what we're showing you is the OSHA symbol, where OSHA stands for Occupational Safety Health Administration. This is the OSHA hazard symbol for carcinogens and mutagens. If you see this symbol on any kind of chemical or physical agent, you should be careful because that substance is going to be either a carcinogen or a mutagen.
This concludes our brief introduction to methods of inducing mutations, and we'll be able to talk more about other methods of inducing mutations as we move forward in our course. I'll see you all in our next video.