THE INDUCTION OF X-CHROMOSOMAL ANEUPLOIDY BY 5-FLUORODEOXYURIDINE (FUdR) FED TO DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER FEMALES
After feeding FUdR (5-fluorodeoxyuridine) to female Drosophila melanogaster, highly significant increases in the frequencies of both XO and XXY exceptions were observed in their offspring. The XXY exceptions and part of the XO exceptions result from maternal nondisjunction of the X-chromosomes. Part of the XO exceptions can be assumed to be produced by X-chromosome breakage followed by bridge formation. The analysis of the brood pattern observed suggests that interphase cells (premeiotic oocytes, oogonia) are especially sensitive in the induction of both XO and XXY exceptions by FUdR. In addition, and contrary to the results obtained with other objects, FUdR seems to induce chromosomal damage (presumably chromatid and/or isochromatid breaks) not only in interphase but also in prophase cells. The mechanisms of the induction of X-chromosomal aneuploids by FUdR are discussed.