Epigenetic mutagens support tumor growth by which mechanism?

• A. altering the cell's biochemistry
• B. altering the immune system
• C. acting as hormones
• D. changing DNA sequence

Answer: (A)

Epigenetic mutagens drive tumor growth by changing how genes are expressed without altering the DNA sequence. They modify epigenetic marks—such as DNA methylation and histone modifications—that control which genes are turned on or off. This reshapes the cell’s biochemistry, affecting signaling pathways, cell cycle control, and metabolism in ways that favor proliferation and survival. In cancer, these epigenetic changes can silence tumor suppressor genes or activate oncogenes, pushing cells toward a growth-favoring state. Because the primary action is on gene regulation and cellular biochemistry rather than changing the DNA sequence itself, this mechanism fits the option describing altering the cell’s biochemistry best.