Genotoxicity of metacid established through the somatic and germ line mosaic assays and the sex-linked recessive lethal test in Drosophila.

The mutagenic potential of metacid (methyl parathion), an anticholinesterase organophosphate pesticide, has been studied in the Drosophila eye, wing and female germ line assays and the sex-linked recessive lethal tests. Larvae 24 h, 48 h and 72 h old, heterozygous for various recessive genetic markers on the first and third chromosomes, were exposed to the LD50 and half of this dose for different periods of time. The eyes and wings were checked for the presence of mosaic spots and eggs laid by the females for germ line mosaicism. The M-5 technique was used to detect the induction of sex-linked recessive lethals. It is concluded that metacid is mutagenic in somatic and germ line cells of Drosophila and induces sex-linked recessive lethals in immature male germ cells.