Mode of action

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-017600",
  "term": "Mode of action",
  "field": "Environment",
  "term_source": "Mode of Action",
  "definition": "1. Understanding how chemicals perturb normal biological function; the key steps in the toxic response after chemical interaction at the target site that is responsible for the physiological outcome or pathology of the chemical.\n\n2. Defined as a sequence of key events and processes, starting with interaction of an agent with a cell, proceeding through operational and anatomical changes, and resulting in cancer formation.\n\n3. The term \"mode of action\" is defined as a sequence of key events and processes, starting with interaction of an agent with a cell, proceeding through operational and anatomical changes, and resulting in cancer formation. Mode of action is contrasted with \"mechanism of action,\" which implies a more detailed understanding and description of events, often at the molecular level, than is meant by mode of action. The toxicokinetic processes that lead to formation or distribution of the active agent to the target tissue are considered in estimating dose but are not part of the mode of action as the term is used here. There are many examples of possible modes of carcinogenic action, such as mutagenicity, mitogenesis, inhibition of cell death, cytotoxicity with reparative cell proliferation, and immune suppression.\n\n4. Sequence of key events and processes, starting with interaction of an agent with a cell, proceeding through operational and anatomical changes, and resulting in cancer formation. Mode of action is contrasted with \"mechanism of action,\" which implies a more detailed understanding and description of events, often at the molecular level, than is meant by mode of action. The toxicokinetic processes that lead to formation or distribution of the active agent to the target tissue are considered in estimating dose but are not part of the mode of action as the term is used here. There are many examples of possible modes of carcinogenic action, such as mutagenicity, mitogenesis, inhibition of cell death, cytotoxicity with reparative cell proliferation, and immune suppression.\n\n5. Generally considered to be the sequence of major biochemical events that lead to an adverse response.",
  "subject": "Science and research",
  "see_also": [
    "mechanism of action"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Toxicity Testing and Risk Assessment Glossary",
    "Exposure Factors Handbook: Glossary",
    "EPA 2005a",
    "EPA 2005a; Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment",
    "EPA ExpoBox Terminology"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/mode-of-action/"
}