A new compound developed in the lab was tested as a DNA mutagen. When the Ames test was performed,the results were numerous bacterial colonies following exposure. This result means

Question

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The Ames test is used to detect the mutagenic potential of a chemical, and the presence of numerous bacterial colonies suggests that the new compound is a mutagen. The fact that it may also be a carcinogen cannot be determined solely from the results of the Ames test, but it is certainly a possibility. Therefore, choice D is the best answer. Choices A, B, and E are not supported by the information given. Choice C suggests that the chemical is both a low-level mutagen and a carcinogen, but this cannot be confirmed from the results of the Ames test alone.

A New Compound Developed in the Lab Was Tested as a DNA