[Antimutagenic activity of tryptophan]

Antimutagenic activity of tryptophan in concentrations of 2-10(-3), 1-10(-2), and 5-10(-2) M was found in Allium cepa L. seedlings. These concentrations of tryptophan inhibit cell mitotic activity. By decreasing the frequency of spontaneous mutations and suppressing the mitotic activity of cells, tryptophan affects various functions of cells. The spectrum of chromosome mutations in tryptophan-treated seedlings does not differ from that observed under natural conditions.