Inventors:
Eugene Findl - Amityville NY
Anthony M. Cundell - Huntington NY
Assignee:
BioResearch Inc. - Farmingdale NY
International Classification:
C12Q 168
C12Q 129
Abstract:
A method of screening a material for potential carcinogenic or mutagenic activity. A mutant stain of eucaryotic or prokaryotic test organism is provided which is capable of reverting to a normal form in the presence of a carcinogen or mutagen. A growth media is provided in which the test organism is capable of growth in one only of its mutant forms. For example, the test organism may be a bacteria which in its mutant form is incapable of substantial growth in the absence of an essential nutrient and, in its natural form, is capable of rapid growth in the absence of that nutrient. The test organism and growth media are combined with oxygen and a material to be screened. Oxygen consumption is then detected to determine if the mutant strain has reverted to its normal form. Reversion is indicated if a change in oxygen consumption occurs when the material being screened is present.