Chapter 19, Problem 4EQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The modification of the Ames test to evaluate physical mutagen and necessity for the addition of rat liver extract.

Introduction:

The physical mutagens consist of UV (ultraviolet) rays, gamma rays, particle radiation, and X-rays. In the living cells, the radiation damages lipoprotein, carbohydrates, and proteins via ionization or by creating free radicals. The UV rays cause excitation of the macromolecules, which results in the dimerization of pyrimidines and oxidative damage to DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).