<P> The Ames test is a widely employed method that uses bacteria to test whether a given chemical can cause mutations in the DNA of the test organism . More formally , it is a biological assay to assess the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds . A positive test indicates that the chemical is mutagenic and therefore may act as a carcinogen , because cancer is often linked to mutation . The test serves as a quick and convenient assay to estimate the carcinogenic potential of a compound because standard carcinogen assays on mice and rats are time - consuming ( taking two to three years to complete ) and expensive . However , false - positives and false - negatives are known . </P>
<P> The Ames test is a widely employed method that uses bacteria to test whether a given chemical can cause mutations in the DNA of the test organism . More formally , it is a biological assay to assess the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds . A positive test indicates that the chemical is mutagenic and therefore may act as a carcinogen , because cancer is often linked to mutation . The test serves as a quick and convenient assay to estimate the carcinogenic potential of a compound because standard carcinogen assays on mice and rats are time - consuming ( taking two to three years to complete ) and expensive . However , false - positives and false - negatives are known . </P>
the best test of the mutagenic potential of a substance would be
the best test of the mutagenic potential of a substance would be
Ames test
Ames test