Question

All compounds that have been found to be mutagenic in the Ames test are also carcinogenic. View Available Hint(s) All compounds that have been found to be mutagenic in the Ames test are also carcinogenic. True False Submit Part B Why are liver extracts used in the Ames test? View Available Hint(s) Why are liver extracts used in the Ames test? A liver extract is necessary for the bacteria to produce histidine revertants. Liver enzymes activate the bacterial enzymes. Liver enzymes may activate some innocuous compounds, making them mutagenic. The bacteria require the nutrients present in the liver extract for growth.

Answer 1

Part A: False

Part B: Liver enzymes may activate some innocuous compounds, making them mutagenic

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ames test, also known as Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay, is a bacterial short-term technique used to identify if a particular chemical compound may cause mutations in target cells. It has been shown that there exists a positive correlation between carcinogenicity and mutagenicity in the Ames test, but this correlation is not absolute. In the Ames test, a rat liver homogenate (containing liver enzymes) can be added in order to identify substances that are not mutagenic themselves but are metabolized in order to form a mutagen (e.g., benzopyrene).