The isolation and genetic characterization of X-linked mutations that affect pyrimidine metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster

Summary This paper focuses on the number of X-linked genes which play a role in pyrimidine metabolism. A series of mutation screens have been carried out for the following types of mutants: (a) mutants which reduce pyrimidine synthesis, (b) mutants which reduce pyrimidine catabolism, and (c) mutants which are unable to utilize dietary pyrimidines and depend upon de novo synthesis for survival. The genetic characterization of the 95 X-linked mutants obtained indicates that there are very few X-linked genes which play a direct role in pyrimidine metabolism.