Multiple Choice
Ames test is a method to:
16. Microbial Genetics
The Ames Test
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During an Ames test, if the test plate has only a few colonies grown on it like the control plate, this means that:
A
The chemical is a carcinogen.
B
The chemical is a mutagen.
C
The chemical does not cause mutations.
D
The cells are resistant to mutations.
E
None of the above are correct.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the purpose of the Ames test: It is used to determine if a chemical can cause mutations in the DNA of a test organism, typically a strain of bacteria like Salmonella typhimurium that is unable to synthesize histidine.
Identify the control plate: In an Ames test, the control plate contains bacteria without exposure to the test chemical, and it is used to establish a baseline for spontaneous mutation rate.
Analyze the test plate results: If the test plate, which contains the bacteria exposed to the chemical, shows only a few colonies similar to the control plate, it suggests that the chemical did not increase the mutation rate.
Interpret the results: Since the number of colonies on the test plate is similar to the control, it indicates that the chemical does not cause mutations, as there is no significant increase in the number of revertant colonies.
Conclude the findings: Based on the observation that the test plate resembles the control plate, the correct interpretation is that the chemical does not cause mutations, ruling out it being a mutagen or carcinogen in this context.
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