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Modification of radiation-induced mutation frequencies by antibiotics in drosophila melanogaster

University of British Columbia

The experiments reported in the present dissertation were undertaken to obtain further evidence for the possible roles of protein, RNA and DNA macromolecules in radiation-mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Several antibiotics were tested for their modifying effects on the frequency of radiation-induced sex-linked recessive lethals. Pre-radiation treatment with actinomycin D significantly reduces the frequency of induced mutations in germ cell stages assumed to include spermatids and spermatocytes. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of a role of proteins in the stabilization (repair) of radiation-induced premutational lesions. Puromycin, a specific inhibitor of protein synthesis is ineffective in the modification of induced mutation frequencies in Drosophila melanogaster. Mitomycin C, is itself a potent mutagen in all germ cell stages, peak mutagenicity occurring in spermatid stages. In combination with ɣ-rays, mitomycin C shows an overall additivity of effect. Mutation frequencies due to mitomycin C are not altered by pre- or concurrent treatment with actinomycin D. This may indicate a different mechanism for mutagenesis by mitomycin C and radiation.

Text

2011-09-21

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/37527

Zoology

University of British Columbia

Graduate