ames test

Ames test   n.  A test used to determine the mutagenic potential of a substance based on the mutation rate of bacteria that are exposed to the substance. [After Bruce Ames (born 1928), American biochemist.]

Main Entry: Ames test
Pronunciation: 'Amz-
Function: noun
: a test for identifying potential carcinogens by studying the frequency with which they causehistidine-producing genetic mutants in bacterial colonies of the genus Salmonella (S. typhimurium) initially lacking the ability to synthesize histidine
Ames, BruceNathan (b 1928) American biochemist. In 1976 Ames devised his test for carcinogenesis of a substance.

Ames test n.
A test in which strains of Salmonella that are unable to synthesize histidine are introduced into a test substance lacking in histidine. If the strains then regain the ability to synthesize histidine, the substance is considered mutagenic and thus carcinogenic.