History of the science of mutagenesis from a personal perspective.

摘要: A career in the study of mutagenesis spanning 50 years is a gift few scientists have been bestowed. My tenure field started 1953, year structure DNA became known (Watson and Crick [1953]: Nature 171:737). Before that time, it was suspected genetic material based on research Oswald T. Avery (Avery et al. [1944]: J Exp Med 79:137), but many still believed proteins or polysaccharides could be material. The present article describes lifetime personal experience chemical mutagenesis. methods used to treat viruses with mutagens were well developed 1950s. Here I review early use nitrous acid hydroxylamine as eukaryotes, development for metabolic activation by microsomal preparations, selection mutant tester set qualitative characterization mutagenic activity chemicals. These studies provided critical background information Bruce Ames his Salmonella/microsome assay, widely test (Ames [1973]: Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 70:2281–2285). This also how diagnostic selected identify molecular nature gene mutations. Today, sequencing has replaced mutagens, this kind formed foundation modern mutation research. They helped stage organization Environmental Mutagen Society Information Center, which are described. ends mammalian single-cell assays, first system studying vivo using recoverable vectors transgenic animals, other assays intact mammals, my thoughts critically important area germ cell narrative not complete autobiographical account, only those experiences feel history edification today's students. hope shown science valuable pursuit can fun, stimulating, satisfying. good sense humor knowledge discoveries come serendipity essential. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.