Even though these two atoms are interacting with each other, their dipoles may still fluctuate. However, they must fluctuate in synchrony in order to maintain their dipoles and stay interacted with each other. Result of synchronizing fluctuation of dipoles:

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 3263

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

DNA is also subject to attack from reactive oxygen species (e.g., O2- , H2O2, and OH†). These potent oxidizing agents are generated by ionizing radiation and by chemical agents that generate free radicals. Oxidation of guanine, for example, generates 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine, or oxoG. 

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 3264

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

The oxoG adduct is highly mutagenic because it can base-pair with adenine as well as with cytosine. If it base-pairs with adenine during replication, it gives rise to a G:C to T:A transversion, which is one of the most common mutations found inhuman cancers.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 3266

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

The carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation and oxidizing agents are partly caused by free radicals that convert guanine to oxoG.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 3267

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

Bruce Ames of the University of California at Berkeley devised a simple test for the potential carcinogenic effects of chemicals based on their capacity to cause mutations in the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 3268

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

The Ames test uses a strain of S. typhimurium that is mutant for the operon responsible for the biosynthesis of the amino acid histidine. For example, the mutant operon might contain a missense or a frameshift mutation in one of the genes for histidine biosynthesis.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 3271

#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes

Chemicals that are found to be mutagenic in the Ames test can then be tested for their potential carcinogenic effects in animals.