Ames test

Ames Test

The Ames Test is a biological assay developed by Bruce Ames and his colleagues in 1973 at the University of California, Berkeley. It is used to evaluate the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds. The test uses a strain of the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium that carries a mutation making it unable to synthesize the amino acid histidine.

Procedure

The Ames Test procedure involves exposing the histidine-dependent Salmonella strain to the chemical compound under investigation. The bacteria are then plated onto a medium lacking histidine. Only those bacteria that undergo a reverse mutation (reversion) that restores their ability to synthesize histidine will be able to grow and form colonies. The number of colonies is then compared to a control plate to determine the mutagenic potential of the compound.

Significance

The Ames Test is a quick and relatively inexpensive method for assessing the mutagenic potential of a compound. It is widely used in pharmaceutical development and environmental monitoring to screen for potential carcinogens. However, it is important to note that a positive result in the Ames Test does not necessarily mean that a compound is a carcinogen in humans, as the test does not account for metabolic activation or other factors that may influence carcinogenicity in a complex organism.

Limitations

While the Ames Test is a valuable tool in mutagenicity testing, it has several limitations. It does not account for the effects of metabolism, as the bacteria used do not have the same metabolic pathways as humans. Additionally, it does not account for the effects of chronic exposure, as the test is typically conducted over a short period of time. Finally, it does not account for the effects of complex mixtures of chemicals, as it is typically conducted with single compounds.

See Also

• Mutagen
• Carcinogen
• Genotoxicity
• Salmonella typhimurium
• Bruce Ames

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