METHYLNITROSOUREA Meaning and
Definition
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Methylnitrosourea (MNU) is a chemical compound belonging to the class of alkylating agents. It is a potent carcinogenic substance widely used in laboratory research to induce cancer in animals. MNU is mainly used in cancer studies, particularly in the fields of oncology and toxicology, to investigate the mechanisms of tumor development, evaluate potential cancer treatments, and study the effects of carcinogens on different organs and tissues.
MNU acts by alkylating DNA and RNA molecules, leading to genetic damage and, subsequently, the formation of tumors. It can penetrate biological membranes and rapidly distribute throughout the body, making it a useful tool for inducing systemic cancers. The compound has been employed to produce different types of tumors in various organs, such as brain, liver, lung, and breast, among others.
Due to its chemical properties and ability to readily cross biological barriers, MNU is considered highly toxic and hazardous to human health. Exposure to MNU can lead to severe health effects, including an increased risk of developing cancer, as it has the potential to cause genetic mutations and disrupt normal cellular functioning. Hence, proper precautions and safety measures must be taken when handling and using this compound in laboratory settings.
In summary, methylnitrosourea (MNU) is a powerful alkylating agent commonly utilized in scientific research to induce cancer in animals. It is known for its carcinogenic properties and ability to cause genetic damage, making it a valuable tool for studying cancer biology and evaluating potential cancer treatments.
Common Misspellings for METHYLNITROSOUREA
- nethylnitrosourea
- kethylnitrosourea
- jethylnitrosourea
- mwthylnitrosourea
- msthylnitrosourea
- mdthylnitrosourea
- mrthylnitrosourea
- m4thylnitrosourea
- m3thylnitrosourea
- merhylnitrosourea
- mefhylnitrosourea
- meghylnitrosourea
- meyhylnitrosourea
- me6hylnitrosourea
- me5hylnitrosourea
- metgylnitrosourea
- metbylnitrosourea
- metnylnitrosourea
- metjylnitrosourea
- metuylnitrosourea
Etymology of METHYLNITROSOUREA
The word "Methylnitrosourea" is a chemical compound name that consists of three parts: "methyl", "nitroso", and "urea". Here is the etymology of each component:
1. Methyl: The term "methyl" originates from the Greek word "methy", meaning wine or spirits. It was first used in the English language in the mid-19th century to refer to a radical derived from methane, CH4. The word "methyl" is often used to denote a group or radical in organic chemistry, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (-CH3).
2. Nitroso: The term "nitroso" comes from the combining form of the Latin word "nitrum" (also meaning nitre or saltpeter) and "oxys", which is a combining form denoting oxygen.
