A Survey of Chemicals for Mutagenic Action on E. coli

Abstract

Thirty-one chemicals, representing various organic and inorganic groups, were tested for ability to induce back-mutations from streptomycin dependence (Sd-4) to nondependence in Escherichia coli. 19 were found to be mutagens. It was demonstrated that mutagenicity is not a specific property of any one group of chemicals, but appears among widely different groups. Chemicals as different as boric acid, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, copper sulfate, acetic acid, formaldehyde, and phenol were found to be mutagenic, indicating that genetic changes may be induced by many agents that are able to enter the living cell and upset its metabolic functions.