Mutagenesis; carcinogenesis and the metal elements--DNA interaction.

ABSTRACT

The present work presents evidence indicating that copper, which binds on the phosphate and base moieties of the DNA, induces single strand DNA breaks and increases the frequency of mutations and sister chromatid exchanges in cultured V-79 fibroblast cells, while in solution decreases the thermostability of the DNA of these cells. Magnesium which binds only at the phosphate moiety does not induce lesions in the genetic material of the V-79 cells. A more general hypothesis is proposed relating to mutagenic/carcinogenic potential of metal elements to their affinity for binding on the base moiety of DNA.