First Known Use: 1976
Dictionary
Ames test
noun \ˈāmz-\
Definition of AMES TEST
: a test for identifying potential carcinogens by studying their mutagenic effect on bacteria
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Origin of AMES TEST
Bruce North Ames b1928 American biochemist
Medical Dictionary
Ames test
noun \ˈāmz-\
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
Biographical Note for AMES TEST
Ames, Bruce Nathan (born 1928), American biochemist. In 1976 Ames devised his test for carcinogenesis of a substance.
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