In terms of their primary effects on cells what are the diff

In terms of their primary effects on cells, what are the differences between initiators and promoter agents?

Solution

Initiators: Initiators are themselves chemically reactive substances or they may be substances that are transformed into chemically reactive agents by metabolic processes. The initiators react with nucleic acid and so cause mutations. For example, alkylating agents, epoxide derivatives.

Promoters: Promoters are not mutagenic and need not react with nucleic acid. These produce free radicals in tissues and particularly at cell membranes. elevated level of free radicals has been observed after ciggerate smoking and chimney smoke.

Hence the primery effect on cells by initiators is, the disturbance in genome which may induce tumors, and by promoters is, the incresed level of free radicals which may damage the cellular components.