Salmonella typhimurium mutagenesis assay

Three primary tests are incorporated in the health effects area. The microbial mutagenesis assay is based on the property of selected Salmonella typhimurium mutants to revert from a histidine requiring state to prototrophy due to exposre to various classes of mutagens. The test can detect nanogram quantities of mutagens and has been adapted to mimic some mammalian metabolic processes by the addition of a mammalian liver microsomal fraction. The test is used as a primary screen to determine the mutagenic activity of complex mixtures or component fractions. 

Whong, W.Z., Stewart, J., and Ong, T.M. (1981). Use of the improved arabinose-resistant assay system of Salmonella typhimurium for mutagenesis testing. Environ. Mutagenesis 3, 95-99. 

Matoba, M., E. Saito, K. Saito, K. Koyama, S. Natori, T. Matsushima, and M. Takimoto Assay of Ptaquiloside, the Carcinogenic Principle of Bracken, Pteridium aquilinum by Mutagenicity Testing in Salmonella typhimurium TA98. Mutagenesis. In press. 

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