An in vitro test for the ability of chemicals, including potential food additives, to cause mutation in bacteria (the mutagenic potential). Commonly used as a preliminary screening method to detect substances likely to be carcinogenic.
A simple bacterial-based test for carcinogens that was developed by Bruce Ames in 1961. Although this test evaluates mutagenesis (i.e., causation of mutations) in the DNA of bacteria, its results have been utilized to approve or not approve certain compounds for consumption by humans.
A test used to investigate a chemical’s ability to induce genetic damage.
A laboratory test of the mutagenicity of chemicals. Special strains of organisms are incubated with the test chemical, and their growth is an indicator of the mutagenicity of the substance. Most chemicals that test positive are carcinogens. Use of the test has helped reduce the use of mammals for tests of mutagenicity.