alkylating agents

Chemistry, pharmacology. Highly reactive compounds that can substitute alkyl groups for the hydrogen atoms of biologically active molecules and thereby prevent their proper functioning. By cross-linking of DNA strands and modification of purines the cell metabolism is disturbed and the cell division inhibited. Many are used as antineoplastic agents, but most are very toxic, with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressant actions.

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