An agent that promotes occurrence of mutation is called

Options

A. Carcinogen
B. Mutagen
C. Muton
D. Both B and C

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term used to describe an agent that promotes the occurrence of mutations.

2. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Carcinogen**: This is a substance that can cause cancer. While carcinogens may lead to mutations, their primary definition is related to cancer, not mutations directly. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

- **Mutagen**: This term refers to agents that cause mutations. Mutagens can be chemical compounds or forms of radiation (like UV rays and X-rays) that induce changes in the DNA, leading to irreversible and heritable mutations. This option is correct.

- **Mutant**: A mutant is an organism or cell that has undergone a mutation. It is not an agent that promotes mutations but rather the result of mutations. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

3. **Conclusion**: After evaluating all the options, the correct answer to the question is "mutagen," as it specifically refers to agents that promote mutations.

**Final Answer**: An agent that promotes the occurrence of mutation is called a **mutagen**.

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