Which of the following is considered a chemical mutagen?

• A. X-rays
• B. Sunlight
• C. Tobacco
• D. Tanning beds

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what a chemical mutagen is. A chemical mutagen is a substance that causes changes or mutations in the DNA sequence by chemically interacting with the genetic material.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option to determine if it is a chemical mutagen or not. X-rays and sunlight are forms of radiation, which are physical mutagens, not chemical mutagens.
3. Step 3: Recognize that tanning beds also emit ultraviolet radiation, making them physical mutagens rather than chemical mutagens.
4. Step 4: Identify tobacco as a source of various chemical compounds that can cause mutations by chemically interacting with DNA, thus classifying it as a chemical mutagen.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, tobacco is considered a chemical mutagen because it contains chemicals that induce mutations, unlike the other options which are physical mutagens.