Many chemical agents have the property of causing DNA damage which can lead to cancer and are called genotoxins and this property of such chemical agents is called genotoxicity. Genotoxicity is generally confused with mutagenicity, but they show some differences. All mutagens are genotoxic while all genotoxins are non-mutagenic. These DNA alterations cause can have both direct and indirect effects on DNA. Direct damage to DNA leads to mutations. These changes can affect both somatic and germ cells. Thus, changes in germ cells are heritable to subsequent generations. Each cell has the tendency to prevent the expression of these genotoxic mutations by DNA repair or apoptosis. When this repair mechanism fails, mutagenesis occurs. The DNA damage that has occurred can take the form of single-strand or double-strand breaks, point mutations, loss of repair, cross-links, and chromosomal aberrations. Compromised integrity of genetic material causes cancer. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Agents capable of causing damage to genetic material are known as genotoxins and, depending on their mechanism of action, are classified as mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic. Genotoxins are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic-degenerative diseases including liver, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, chronic inflammation and aging. In recent decades, researchers have discovered new bioactive phytocompounds that can counteract the effects of physical and chemical mutagens. Several studies have demonstrated potential antigenotoxicity in a variety of fruits. Grapefruit, cranberries, pomegranate, guava, pineapple and mango which are frequently consumed by humans, as well as the analysis of some phytochemicals extracted from fruits and yeasts which have demonstrated antigenotoxic capacity in various tests, including the Ames test, exchange of sister chromatids, chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus and comet tests. Genotoxicity is the ability of various agents to produce damage to genetic material. However, the damage induced in the genetic material includes not only the DNA, but also all those cellular components linked to the functionality and behavior of the chromosomes within the cell. An example of this are proteins involved in the repair, condensation and decondensation of DNA in chromosomes, or other structures such as the mitotic spindle, responsible for the distribution of chromosomes during cell division. Agents capable of causing genetic toxicity are described as genotoxic or called genotoxins; and based on their origin they are classified into three categories: physical, chemical and biological. The first category includes ionizing and electromagnetic radiation, temperature and ultraviolet light. The second group is made up of a wide range of compounds with multiple effects, among which heavy metals, pesticides, aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylating agents, acridine, acrylamide, aliphatic epoxides, organic solvents, asbestos particles, food additives and xenobiotics resulting from certain “lifestyles” such as smoking or drinking (alcoholism). The last category considers some parasites, bacteria, plants, viruses and fungi (particularly those that synthesize secondary metabolites such as mycotoxins). Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essayAl Allo.