Interaction between mobile DNA-element-induced lethal mutations and chemical mutagens in the hybrid dysgenic system of Drosophila melanogaster.

Using the sex-linked recessive lethal mutation screen, a synergistic interaction is observed for mutations induced by chemical mutagens (ethyl methanesulfonate and dimethylnitrosamine) and the transposable DNA-element system of hybrid dysgenesis in spermatogonial cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, these results suggest that some chemical mutagens may induce transpositions, hybrid dysgenic cells may be more sensitive to chemically induced genetic damage, or hybrid dysgenesis may inhibit the efficiency of repair of chemically induced lesions.