Spot-Overlay Ames Test of Potential Mutagens

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Author:

A. Malcolm Campbell, David Wessner, John Kenyon, Peggy Maiorano, Ralph Pillsbury

Subject:

Science and Technology

Institution Name:

Davidson College|Davidson IB Middle School

Collection:

Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE)

Grade Level:

Secondary, Post-secondary

Abstract:

This protocol represents a cost-effective modification of the Ames Test that allows students to investigate the mutagenic potential of various common substances. Potential mutagens are tested using well-characterized auxotrophic strains of Salmonella typhimurium. By analyzing the results, students determine if any of their compounds may be mutagenic. Follow-up experiments are designed to determine the dose response of these potential mutagens. Using this protocol, we have achieved reproducible results with several known mutagens, including sodium azide and ultraviolet irradiation. This approach enables faculty to control costs and results to improve student understanding of mutagenesis, biochemical pathways, experimental design, and data analysis.

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs, Lesson Plans

Media Format:

Downloadable docs

Conditions of Use:

Custom Permissions
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Use solely at one's own institution with no intent for profit is excluded from the preceding copyright restriction, unless otherwise noted on the copyright notice of the individual chapter in this volume. Proper credit to this publication must be included in your laboratory outline for each use; a sample citation is given [on the copyright page of each volume]. Upon obtaining permission or with the "sole use at one's own institution" exclusion, ABLE strongly encourages individuals to use the exercises in this proceedings volume in their teaching program.