An approach to monitoring mutation rates using restriction fragment lengths

Monitoring background mutation rates in normal populations, elevated rates in exposed populations and unusual rates in test systems exposed to mutagens and carcinogens remains an unresolved problem. To date, efforts have focused on measurement of mutation rates by searching for protein sequences that appear in children but were not present in their parents. An initial study to measure mutation rates by using recombinant DNA technology was carried out in Alta, Utah, in 1984, and the results are summarized here. The purpose of this paper is to explore in greater detail the use of restriction fragment lengths for monitoring mutation rates. The report of the meeting at Alta was sceptical about the practicality of this approach. The conclusion of this paper is that it is indeed a practical approach, and details are given of a method for realizing a functional system.