Question:

The chemicals which possess potential of both initiating and promoting tumour are called

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To remember this:
- Initiator only = Incomplete Carcinogen
- Initiator + Promoter = Complete Carcinogen (can cause cancer single-handedly).
  • Complete carcinogens
  • Initiators
  • Incomplete carcinogens
  • Promoters
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chemical carcinogenesis is a multi-step process traditionally divided into two main stages: initiation (irreversible genetic damage) and promotion (clonal expansion of initiated cells).
Detailed Explanation:
Let us define the types of agents involved in tumor development:
- Initiators: Agents that cause permanent genetic mutations in the target cells (initiation) but cannot induce tumor growth on their own without subsequent promotion.
- Promoters: Non-mutagenic agents that stimulate the proliferation of initiated cells (promotion) but cannot induce tumors without prior initiation.
- Incomplete carcinogens: Agents that can perform only one of the functions (usually initiation).
- Complete carcinogens: Chemical agents that possess both initiating and promoting properties. They are capable of inducing tumors on their own without requiring any helper agents because they can mutate DNA and subsequently stimulate cell division.

Step 2: Final Answer:

The chemicals possessing both initiating and promoting potentials are complete carcinogens, matching Option (A).
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