This report includes links to recent publications and reviews describing assessments of mutagenicity and genotoxicity of chemicals and radiation using Drosophila melanogaster. Historically, the first definitive demonstrations that X-rays (Muller, 1927; FBrf0001627) and a chemical (Auerbach and Robson, 1946, FBrf0006628) are germ-cell mutagens were made using Drosophila. These studies used sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL) tests, which became the standard for several decades. Subsequently, somatic mutation and recombination tests (SMART) were developed; these include the wing-spot test (reviewed in Pitchakarn et al., 2021; FBrf0251379), the eye-spot test (Aguirrezabalaga et al, 1994; FBrf0076973), and development of epithelial tumors in a sensitized genetic background (Eeken, 2002; FBrf0155751). Currently, SMART tests are most commonly used; comet assays have also been developed for use in Drosophila (reviewed in Gaivao and Sierra, 2014; FBrf0226187).

See also human disease model reports 'toxicity studies (fly models overview)' (FBhh0001471) and 'drug discovery and assessment (fly models overview)' (FBhh0001114).

[updated Dec. 2022 by FlyBase; FBrf0222196]