[Radiosensitive strains of Drosophila. XII. Realization of the effect of mutation rad(2)201G1 at the cell and organism levels].

Two effects of gamma-rays were studied on radiosensitive mutant rad(2)201G1 and wild type strain rad+ of Drosophila: the rate of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations in somatic cells and lethality of individuals irradiated at different stages of preimaginal development. It has been shown that mutant strain is characterized by the increased rate of chromosome aberrations in somatic cells and lethality of developing flies. Control strain rad+ is characterized by more complicated relationship between the effects analyzed. The results obtained are discussed in connection with the action of rad(2)201G1 gene on repair of genetic damages and with existence of postradiation compensation mechanisms intrinsic in development of multicellular organisms.