The influence of thymidine and deoxycytidine on the chromosome-breaking effect of triethylenemelamine in Vicia faba.

Abstract The influence of deoxycytidine hydrochloride (CdR) and thymidine (TdR) on the chromosome-breaking effect of triethylenemlamine (TEM) in Vicia faba has been studied. Addition of both deoxyribonucleic acid precursors to TEM solutions strikingly decreased the frequency of aberrations induced by the alkylating agent. The action of CdR could be explained through TEM degradation under mild acid conditions. Alternative explanations for the effect of TdR are also discussed.