Environmental and molecular mutagenesis
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Our understanding of mechanisms of mutation, which has expanded greatly in the past few decades, served as the original impetus to the formation of the Environmental Mutagen Society. The advances in genetics and chemistry that have conditioned our present degree of knowledge are here catalogued and the future is predicted.
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Environ. Mol. Mutagen. · Jan 1989
Biography Historical ArticleConcepts and models for DNA repair: from Escherichia coli to mammalian cells.
Much of our early understanding of the mechanisms of excision-repair and its roles in maintaining genome integrity and cellular viability was derived from studies with bacteria. In fact, the discoveries of damage excision and repair replication were made in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated Escherichia coli. ⋯ The latter finding has now been documented in E. coli as well, so it is likely that it is of widespread importance as a mechanism to ensure the expression of active genes in otherwise damaged cells. It is certain that studies with bacterial systems as models will continue to have an important impact on the development of the field of mammalian DNA repair.
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Environ. Mol. Mutagen. · Jan 1989
Biography Historical ArticleReminiscences of a mouse specific-locus test addict.
This paper describes some of the historical events surrounding the development of and achievements with the mouse specific-locus test in radiation and chemical mutagenesis. Some ongoing and future contributions of the test to research in molecular genetics are also mentioned.
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Environ. Mol. Mutagen. · Jan 1989
Biography Historical ArticleConcern for environmental mutagens: some personal reminiscences.
This article is a personal, anecdotal account of the early days of concern for environmental mutagenesis. The history of the original National Academy of Sciences Committee on the Biological Effects of Atomic Radiations (BEAR) and its early controversies are reviewed, along with the initial establishment of principles for discovering potential chemical mutagens. Although it emphasizes the great advances in cellular and molecular understanding over the past 35 years, the article ends with a pessimistic assessment of any possibility of quantitative assessment of mutational impacts on future generations.
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Environ. Mol. Mutagen. · Jan 1989
Historical ArticleEvolution of social concerns and environmental policies for chemical mutagens.
The founding of the Environmental Mutagen Society 20 years ago coincided with the beginning of general social concern about exposure to chemical mutagens. Initially, this concern focused on the potential of chemicals to induce heritable genetic damage in humans. ⋯ Serious doubts have recently been cast upon the relationship between mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, and, as a result the real utility of mutagenicity tests is being questioned. Justification for the continued use of these tests will require 1) more detailed mechanistic knowledge concerning the role of genetic changes in the development of cancer and 2) an improved ability to relate the results of mutagenicity tests to the potential for inducing heritable genetic effects in humans.