Isolation and properties of a euglena mutant resistant to the killing and bleaching effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and some other agents

Genetic effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and its homologs

Since the discovery of the mutagenic activity of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in 1960, this compound has become one of the most widely used chemical mutagens. The present paper gives a survey on the chemistry, metabolism, and mode of interaction of MNNG with DNA and proteins, and of the genotoxic effects of this agent on microorganisms, plants, and animals, including human cells cultured in vitro. Data on the carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of MNNG as well as on the genotoxic effects of homologs of MNNG are also presented.