Biopolymers and cell. 1994. Volume 10. № 2. 5 - 10

S. M. Gershenson. Yu. N. Alexandrov

SOME NEW DATA CONCERNING THE MUTAGENIC ACTION OF DNA

Summary

    It is shown that spermatozoa of Drosophila melanogaster can transfer molecules of exogenous DNA (or their fragments) from a solution of this DNA injected into the haemocel of an adult male into the ooplasm of the egg. As a result, mutations induced in the descendants arise both in the paternal and the maternal chromosomes obtained by them. The mutagenic effect of exogenous DNA has a prolonged character inducing mutations in the descendants during many cell generations after DNA-treatment of their father. The mechanism of such a prolongation of the mutagenic action of DNA is discussed.