title: Specific-locus mutation assays in Zea mays. A report of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gene-Tox Program.
abstract: The use of the angiosperm Zea mays in assays for the induction of mutations at specific genetic loci is discussed. The effect of chemical mutagens on 3 genetic end points is evaluated. The end points surveyed were the loss of the phenotype of dominant alleles in heterozygotes, the induction of segregating point mutations in M2 plants, and the induction of forward and reverse mutations in pollen grains. Maize is sensitive to a wide range of mutagens and has the capacity to activate promutagens. This plant has been used to study mutagenesis under both laboratory and in situ conditions.
mesh_terms: D005796:Genes; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009153:Mutagens / Q000494:pharmacology; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D009153:Mutagens