Mutation inDrosophila MelanogasterCultured on Irradiated Whole Food or Food Components

Abstract

The frequencies of sex-linked recessive lethal mutations have been measured in germ cells from Drosophila males cultured on aged or non-aged, irradiated or non-irradiated whole food or food supplements. The experiments indicate that irradiated whole food, autoclaved sucrose, and heterologous DNA are mutagenic. Non-autoclaved sucrose, whether irradiated or not, does not induce mutations. A large portion of the increased damage may be associated with the induction of gonial mutants. Ageing the treated food or food components for three weeks before use does not alter the results.