[Detection of carcinogenic compounds in the environment with special regard to tests on fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)].

The increasing exposure of the human population to mutagen and carcinogenic substances necessitates research and introduction of methods for their detection. The diversity of these dangerous substances in the environment requires, the application of the chemical and biological tests. The latter allow testing of chemical mixtures of unknown composition. The advantages and limitations of short-term tests are presented. Among these the advantages of somatic mutation and recombination tests are described in more detail on Drosophila melanogaster. The subcellular structure, enzymes produced and the course of metabolic processes in Drosophila are similar as in man. It is possible, therefore, to detect the numerous mutagens undetectable in tests on bacteria. These test are relatively simple, not expensive and do not require expensive apparatus or preliminary activation of promutagens necessary in tests on bacteria.