Which of the following is a chemical mutagen ?

Options

A. Ethyl methane sulphonate and X-rays
B. Sodium azide and UV rays
C. Ethyl methane sulphonate and Sodium azide
D. X-rays, gamma rays and UV rays

Answer

To determine which of the following is a chemical mutagen, we need to analyze each option provided in the question. Here's a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Definition of a Mutagen
A mutagen is a substance that induces mutations in the DNA of organisms. Mutagens can be classified into three categories: physical mutagens, chemical mutagens, and biological mutagens.

### Step 2: Identify the Types of Mutagens
- **Physical Mutagens:** These include radiation (like X-rays and UV rays) and heat.
- **Chemical Mutagens:** These are substances that can cause mutations through chemical reactions, such as certain chemicals and metals.
- **Biological Mutagens:** These include living organisms like viruses and bacteria that can induce mutations.

### Step 3: Analyze Each Option
1. **Option A: Ethylmethane sulfonate and X-rays**
- Ethylmethane sulfonate is a chemical mutagen.
- X-rays are a form of radiation, thus a physical mutagen.

2. **Option B: Sodium azide and UV rays**
- Sodium azide is a chemical mutagen.
- UV rays are a form of radiation, thus a physical mutagen.

3. **Option C: Ethylmethane sulfonate and sodium azide**
- Both ethylmethane sulfonate and sodium azide are chemical mutagens.

4. **Option D: X-rays, gamma rays, and UV rays**
- All these are forms of radiation and thus are physical mutagens.

### Step 4: Determine the Correct Answer
From the analysis:
- Option C (ethylmethane sulfonate and sodium azide) is the only option where both substances are classified as chemical mutagens.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is **Option C: Ethylmethane sulfonate and sodium azide.**

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