The induction of temperature-sensitive mutations in Drosophila melanogaster by the acridine mustard ICR-170

The monofunctional quinacrine mustard ICR-170 (2-methoxy-6-chloro-9-(3-ethyl-2-chloroethyl] aminopropylamino) acridine dihydrochloride) has been observed to induce temperature-sensitive recessive sex-linked mutations in Drosophila melanogaster. Out of a total of 122 lethals recovered, five proved to be heat sensitive, one heat and cold sensitive, and one cold sensitive. This observation, plus the recovery of some leaky temperature-sensitive mutations, indicates that in Drosophila melanogaster ICR-170 may function by inducing some base-pair substitution mutations, probably by action of its alkylating nitrogen mustard moiety.