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Abstract
SUMMARY: Mutations were induced by storing non-dividing asexual spores of a Streptomyces sp. at 4° for varying periods of time. Certain stages among spores germinated at 27° were more ‘ sensitive ’ than others to this mutagenic action. This high sensitivity was not correlated with particular nuclear stages or with nuclear number. The increased frequency of mutants cannot be attributed to selection (either decreased survival of the wild type or selective growth of previously existing mutants), to increased background (gamma) radiation or to temperature shock. The data indicate that mutation rate is a function of the physiological condition of the spore and that mutations may occur in the absence of nuclear division.
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© Society for General Microbiology, 1956