Common Chemical Mutagens
5-Bromouracil
is used in cytogenetic studies to label
newly-synthesized chromatids in order to show
recombination events. Nitrous Acid is produced
by the action of stomach acids on Nitric Acid, a
common food additive. EMS can be fed directly
to Drosophila and other organisms to induce
mutations. Ethidium Bromide is commonly used as
a fluorescent stain of DNA.