carcinogenic agent
A role played by a chemical compound which is known to induce a process of carcinogenesis by corrupting normal cellular pathways, leading to the acquistion of tumoral capabilities.
neurotoxin
A poison that interferes with the functions of the nervous system.
mutagen
An agent that increases the frequency of mutations above the normal background level, usually by interacting directly with DNA and causing it damage, including base substitution.
alkylating agent
Highly reactive chemical that introduces alkyl radicals into biologically active molecules and thereby prevents their proper functioning. It could be used as an antineoplastic agent, but it might be very toxic, with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressant actions. It could also be used as a component of poison gases.
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