Mutation of theRecQ5 start codon (ATG to GCG, resulting in a NotI restriction site).
Homozygotes show a developmental delay compared to wild type. Early stage mutant embryos have an increased frequency of abnormal mitotic chromosomes and irregular nuclei compared to wild type.
Mutant third instar larvae show a significantly reduced survival rate after gamma irradiation compared to control larvae.
Mutants show reduction survival compared to controls after induction of double-strand DNA breaks using Scer\SCEI endonuclease.
Mutants show an increase incidence of loss of heterozygosity compared to controls.