Dy3+ and Nd3+ induced genetic mutation of bacillus alpha-amylase.

After treatment with DyCl(3) and NdCl(3), two strains of mutated bacilli showing increased alpha-amylase activity were isolated. The alpha-amylase genes were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. Sequencing revealed that there were either 11 or 14 bases altered in the two genes. These alterations took the form of base substitutions, and transversion was more common than transition. Based on these results, it was concluded that the rare earth compounds DyCl(3) and NdCl(3) were mutagens.