Definition of Ames test
:a test for identifying potential carcinogens by studying their mutagenic effect on bacteria
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Explore Merriam-Webster
Origin and Etymology of ames test
Bruce N. Ames born1928 American biochemist
Medical Dictionary
medical Definition of Ames test
:a test for identifying potential carcinogens by studying the frequency with which they cause histidine-producing genetic mutants in bacterial colonies of the genus Salmonella (S. typhimurium) initially lacking the ability to synthesize histidine
- The compound … produced the highest score ever reported in an Ames test, a standard measure of the cancer-causing potential of toxic chemicals.
- —Today's Chemist at Work, December 1997
- Dimethylnitrosamine … a known animal carcinogen—is usually a potent mutagen in the Ames assay.
- —Science News, 16 July 1988
Biographical Note for ames test
Ames, Bruce Nathan (born 1928),
American biochemist. In 1976 Ames devised his test for carcinogenesis of a substance.
Learn More about ames test
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Ames test
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Ames test? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
