Hydroxylamine-induced purple mutants (ad-3) in Neurospora crassa. II. Identification of genetic alteration at the molecular level

Biologic activity of hydroxylamine: a review

Although hydroxylamine, as such, is a product of normal cellular metabolism it is also a potent mutagen in vitro. However, in spite of this potential, it has not been shown to possess carcinogenic capabilities. Indeed, this chemical has demonstrated carcinostatic activity against certain tumors in animals. In addition, hydroxylamine has been shown to inactivate or inhibit a number of cellular enzymes and some viruses in vitro. It is also a skin irritant and sensitizer. It causes dermatitis and it is corrosive to the eyes. Acute and chronic exposures to hydroxylamine have caused methemoglobinemia and sulfhemoglobinemia.

EMS-induced reversion studies in the white locus of Drosophila melanogaster

5 white-locus mutants of Drosophila melanogaster, respresenting 5 different sub-sites, were treated with EMS and tested for reversion to wild-type. 4 of them were genuine mutants and one was not. Moreover, the ability of the 4 mutants to revert to wild-type differed from one another which therefore reflects a qualitatively distinct alteration in the genetic material delimited by each mutant.