Definition of Genotoxin
Genotoxin: A poisonous substance which damages DNA. A genotoxin can cause mutations in DNA (and so be a mutagen), it can trigger cancer (and so be a carcinogen), or it can cause a birth defect (and so be a teratogen).
From geno- (genetic) + toxin (poison) = a genetic poison.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17538
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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