title: The use of a mutationally unstable X-chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster for mutagenicity testing.
abstract: Somatic eye-colour mutations in an unstable genetic system, caused by a transposable element in the white locus of the X-chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster, is suggested as an assay system for mutagenicity testing. The system is evaluated by comparison with a corresponding system in a stable X-chromosome. Its sensitivity is confirmed with X-ray and EMS treatment, and it is found to be confined to the specific segment of the X-chromosome where the transposable element is localized.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods*; D005020:Ethyl Methanesulfonate / Q000494:pharmacology; D005127:Eye Color / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D005796:Genes / Q000528:radiation effects; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D009153:Mutagens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012730:Sex Chromosomes / Q000528:radiation effects; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000528:radiation effects; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D009153:Mutagens; D005020:Ethyl Methanesulfonate