Somatic Mutation-Detection Systems

This system therefore offers the possibility of detecting somatic mutations through selection in lymphocyte cultures. However, the extent to which some variations are phenocopies, rather than mutations, remains to be explored. Recent and more refined experiments have given much lower mutation rates, more consistent with other estimates.14142 The variables that influence the results remain to be elucidated, but the possibility of measuring mutation in somatic cells and documenting the nature of the mutant cells makes this a promising system. 

Several sensitive methods have been devised to detect mutagenic compounds. Among them, the most conveniently used are bacterial systems and in vitro mammalian cytogenetic systems. All these detect somatic mutations, and could be applied to the detection of carcinogenic compounds. 

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