examining its mutagenic effects on bacterial cells

[pathologyguy]

Before being approved by the FDA, a chemical is tested for carcinogenicity by examining its mutagenic effects on bacterial cells in culture. Which of the following tests is used to make this determination?

A. Ames test
B. Nitroblue tetrazolium test
C. Watson-Schwartz test
D. Widal test
E. Woellner enzyme test

[BlakeH]

Ames test is the rigt answer.Choice A

[pathologyguy]

Originally Posted by pathologyguy

Before being approved by the FDA, a chemical is tested for carcinogenicity by examining its mutagenic effects on bacterial cells in culture. Which of the following tests is used to make this determination?

A. Ames test
B. Nitroblue tetrazolium test
C. Watson-Schwartz test
D. Widal test
E. Woellner enzyme test

Genius to the 5th power!

The correct answer is A. The test described is the Ames test, which measures damage to DNA and correlates well with carcinogenicity in vitro. It is relatively inexpensive to perform, compared to other tests of carcinogenicity, and is frequently used as a screening test for potential carcinogens.
The nitroblue tetrazolium test (choice B) is used to examine the ability of neutrophils to undergo a respiratory burst, and is used in the diagnosis of hereditary immunodeficiencies.

The Watson-Schwartz test (choice C) detects porphobilinogen in urine, and is used in the diagnosis of porphyrias.

The Widal test (choice D) is used to diagnose typhoid fever.

The Woellner enzyme test (choice E) detects heterophil antibodies in patients with Epstein-Barr virus infection, such as infectious mononucleosis.