Neutron- and X-ray-induced mutations at the yellow, white, forked and vermilion loci of Drosophila melanogaster; a preliminary analysis

Neutrons and X-rays were used to induce mutations at the yellow, white, vermilion and forked loci of Drosophila melanogaster by irradiation of spermatozoa in males. The mutations were characterized for the presence and location of simultaneously induced rearrangements and recessive lethal mutations. F1 females carrying induced visible mutations were identified, described and tested for fertility. The data are given in this paper. The proportions of mutants at the 4 loci, the ratios of whole-body: mosaic mutations, and the fertility of the mutant-carrying F1 females were similar for both types of radiation. Differences were observed between the frequencies of induced visible mutations and the rates of coincident visible and lethal induction. Although the analysis of the mutant chromosomes has not yet been completed, our data can be interpreted as providing confirmation that there are qualitative differences between the genetic effects of neutrons and X-rays.