Evidence for the Occurrence of Intermediates during Mutation

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Abstract
A large proportion of exptl. evidence suggests that the action of X-ray and u.-v. radiation on genes and chromosomes is indirect rather than direct, and that chemical mutagens are the immediate agents of mutation. Previous results concerning the effect of pressure on the mutations induced by nitrogen mustard clearly established the fact that chemical alterations leading to gene changes are freely reversible for a considerable time after the removal of the mutagenic agent. The present study involved the use of a microconidial strain of Neurospora crassa in order to determine the effect of pressure on the mutation rate after exposure to u.-v. radiation. Supplementary expts. included a study of the effects of temp., pressure, u.-v., and nitrogen mustard on Aspergillus terreus. The results of these studies indicate that intermediate activated states are formed by the action of radiation, and that it is these activated states that are affected by the supplementary treatments.
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