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The influence of low temperature on the frequency of translocations produced by X-rays inDrosophila melanogaster

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Summary

  1. 1.

    It is shown that the influence of cold temperature applied to the mature sperm cells ofDrosophila melanogaster during irradiation increases the effect of X-rays in producing translocations.

  2. 2.

    Observations of other workers that cold temperature produces sterility are confirmed.

  3. 3.

    The correlation of lethal mutations and translocations suggest that the mechanisms responsible for both changes are related.

  4. 4.

    The minor spiral of the chromonema in mature sperms is suggested as an ideal mechanism for small loop formation leading to chromosome breakage and interchange.

  5. 5.

    The relationship of translocations and crossingover is interpreted as indirect evidence in favor ofSerebrovsky's “crossingover” theory of the formation of translocations and other chromosomal aberrations.

  6. 6.

    It is concluded that translocations, as well as other genetic changes are profoundly affected through changes in the immediate environment of the gene.

  7. 7.

    Some suggestions concerning methods of influence by environmental factors are discussed. X-rays and radioactive agents may be more effective than other factors because they can penetrate to the chromosomes, whereas the influence of other factors may be expended in superficial tissues. Perhaps the normal capacity of living substance for repair is lowered in extreme temperatures.

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  1. George H. Mickey

    Present address: Louisiana State University, University, La.

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  1. The University of Texas, Texas, USA

    George H. Mickey

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Mickey, G.H. The influence of low temperature on the frequency of translocations produced by X-rays inDrosophila melanogaster . Genetica 21, 386–407 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01508126

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