An organism is exposed to a mutagen, such as X-rays or ultraviolet light. What could be the effect of the mutagen on the organism? Select all of
the answers that apply
A The mutagen may disrupt gene function to the harm of the organism
B. The mutagen may change gene function in a way that benefits the organism.
C. The mutagen may change the genetic material of the cell from DNA to proteins.
D. The mutagen may change the binding between codons and anticodons.
E. The mutagen may have little or no observable effect on the organism.

Effect of the mutagen on the organism could be:

Explanation:

A mutagen is capable of changing genetic information to produce a mutation, which influences the physical and functional characteristics of an organism. These mutagens can be biological, physical or chemical agents.

Some effects of mutagens are:

The mutagen may disrupt gene function to the harm of the organism: structural changes of certain proteins, due to a mutation, can trigger diseases such as Fanconi anemia or Xerodermia pigmentosum. Cancer can be another harmful consequence of exposure to mutagens.

The mutagen may change gene function in a way that benefits the organism: A mutagen can induce a change that is beneficial to an organism, which can be seen in bacteria that generate resistance when exposed to an antibiotic. Even many mutations involve evolutionary changes over time.

The mutagen may change the binding between codons and anticodons: for protein synthesis to occur, the codons or triplets must couple with their complementary anticodon. When codon-anticodon coupling does not occur it is due to a change in the reading frame, produced by a mutagen. The result is a certain protein that will not be synthesized.

Learn more:

Mutagens link