[Some aspects of the genetic toxicity of methylmercury in yeasts]

Methylmercury chloride is a powerful inhibitor of the cell cycle in Yeasts. Its effect is reversible at low doses. It does not induce any nuclear mutation (at least among the ones we tested). Neither does it increase the amounts of intra and inter-genic conversions induced by a variety of mutagenic agents. However, in co-treatment with some carcinogens and mutagens, it causes a drastic depressive effect on survival.