The Chemical Production of Mutations

Abstract

Chem. substances with mutagenic properties are useful tools for attacking the problem of mutation. Mustard gas is an effective mutagen which produces chromosome breaks and rearrangements. Mustard gas is not as indiscriminate in its bodily effects as are roentgen rays, and the diff. in effects may be ascribed to the diff. amts. of energy involved in the 2 types of reaction. Only 3 substs., belonging to the class of N- or S-mustards, have been found whose genetic effects are similar to those of mustard gas. A certain proportion of natural mutations may be caused by the action of mutagenic substs. within the organism.