Induction of delayed mutations by benzene and ethylene dibromide in Drosophila

Two carcinogens, ethylene dibromide and benzene, were used to induce delayed (germinal mosaic) sex-linked recessive lethal mutations in spermatozoa and spermatids of adult Drosophila males. Significant numbers of delayed mutations (in F3) were scored in absence of conventional (in F2) mutations. A large proportion of nonlethal F2 cultures carried delayed mutations, so much so that, in some cultures, all F2 females were carriers of mutations. The mechanism through which single strand damage to treated X chromosomes can result in such delayed lethals is discussed. These observations indicate that the delayed mutation test should be used for testing the mutagenicity of environmental compounds, especially carcinogens, which tested negative in the conventional sex-linked recessive lethal mutation test. The data will support the relationship between mutagenesis and carcinogenesis and, also will further enhance the sensitivity of the Drosophila mutation assay.