Evidence for an effect of exposure to low levels of alpha particle irradiation in larval cells of Drosophila as measured in the wing-spot test.

ABSTRACT

Larvae of Drosophila were exposed to a range of concentrations of alpha particles from 3 to 318 mRad, and genetic effects measured in the wing-spot test. The results were positive, and evidence of a linear relationship between exposure and response observed. The induction of chromosome breakage is suggested by the significantly higher frequency of twin spots in the treated series compared with controls.