are mutagens generally carcinogenes?

Answer 1

a mutagen (Latin, literally origin of change) is a physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic information (usually DNA) of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the natural background level.
As many mutations cause cancer, mutagens are typically also carcinogens. Not all mutations are caused by mutagens: So-called "spontaneous mutations" occur due to errors in DNA replication, repair and recombination of DNA sequences.
Mutagens are usually chemical compounds or ionizing radiation. Mutagens can be divided into different categories according to their effect on DNA replication:

Some mutagens act as base analogs and get inserted into the DNA strand during replication in place of the substrates.
Some react with DNA and cause structural changes that lead to miscopying of the template strand when the DNA is replicated.
Some work indirectly by causing the cells to synthesize chemicals that have the direct mutagenic effect.

Examples
Nitrous acid, (HNO2) Deaminating agent
UV Radiation, thymine dimer formation
Sodium azide, (NaN3)
Gamma and Alpha Radiation, ionising radiations
Transposons, autonomous dna fragment relocation/multiplication
Base analogues, substitutes
Bromine and some of its compounds,
Ethidium bromide (EtBr), and other intercalating agents

some interesting info on carcinigens:

The term carcinogen refers to any substance, radionuclide or radiation which is an agent directly involved in the promotion of cancer or in the facilitation of its propagation. This may be due to genomic instability or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes. Several radioactive substances are considered carcinogens, but their carcinogenic activity is attributed to the radiation, for example gamma rays or alpha particles, which they emit. Common examples of carcinogens are asbestos and tobacco smoke.

Carcinogens may cause cancer by altering cellular metabolism or damaging DNA directly in cells, which interferes with normal biological processes. Aflatoxin B1, which is produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus growing on stored grains, nuts and peanut butter, is an example of a potent, naturally-occurring microbial carcinogen.

Cooking protein-rich food at high temperatures, for example broiling or barbecuing meats, can lead to the formation of many potent carcinogens that are comparable to those found in cigarette smoke (i.e., benzo[a]pyrene).[1] Pre-cooking meats in a microwave oven for 2-3 minutes before broiling can help minimize the formation of these carcinogens.

Benzene, kepone, EDB, asbestos, and the waste rock of oil-shale mining have all been classified as carcinogenic

Recent reports have found that the known animal carcinogen acrylamide is generated in fried or overheated carbohydrate foods (such as french fries and potato chips). Studies are underway at the FDA and European regulatory agencies to assess its potential risk to humans. The charred residue on barbecued meats has been identified as a carcinogen, along with many other tars.

Answer 2

The term carcinogen refers to any substance, radionuclide or radiation which is an agent directly involved in the promotion of cancer or in the facilitation of its propagation. This may be due to genomic instability or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes. Several radioactive substances are considered carcinogens, but their carcinogenic activity is attributed to the radiation, for example gamma rays or alpha particles, which they emit. Common examples of carcinogens are asbestos and tobacco smoke.

While all mutagens cause mutation of the genome, not all mutagens cause cancer.

Thus, all mutagens are not carcinogens, because some mutations are never expressed in vivo as either an alteration in protein structure/function or cellular physiology.

Answer 3

Yes. Cancer causing agents cause cancer because they mutate the DNA in the cell causing transformation of the cell. Even if the mutagen does not cause high incidence mutation, it can still cause cancer and has some carcinogenic properties.

mutagen is a more general term because it causes random mutation.

carcinogen is substance that is likely to cause mutation in one of several places that result in a cell turning cancerous.

Since the more generalized term still can result in a cancer causing mutation, it can also be considered carcinogenic.

Answer 4

Not necessarily. Mutagens cause mutations, but some mutations can be "fixed" by enzimes, and others go unnoticed. It depends on the change it made to the DNA, and whether or not it will affect the reading of it.

Answer 5

mutagen mess with your DNA, so depending on the mutation it could be also carcinogen or not, mutation is also transmissible to your children of course.
So personally I keep mutagenic compounds in high respect and I pay really attention to them.

Answer 6

They can be. Depends on their mutagenic properties.