# We used a "mutagen" on fruit flys in a genetics class that I took about 10 yrs ago.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-used-a-mutagen-on-fruit-flys-in-a-genetics-class-that-i-took-about-10-yrs-ago/242961>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 1, 2004, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-used-a-mutagen-on-fruit-flys-in-a-genetics-class-that-i-took-about-10-yrs-ago/242961 "2004-05-01T07:41:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Roland\_Deschain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@Roland\_Deschain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Deschain)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2004, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-used-a-mutagen-on-fruit-flys-in-a-genetics-class-that-i-took-about-10-yrs-ago/242961/1 "2004-05-01T07:41:41Z")

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I can’t remember what it was called (NNG or MMG maybe?) anyway we used the stuff only under the “hood” with gloves and masks on. In a subsequent lab we counted the “mutant” fruitfly off spring. Anyway, I have always thought that this would be the perfect way to kill someone (and would make a good murder mystery story). Use a mutagen to induce cancer, that appeared a few years later (no trace and you could still collect on the life insurence). My chemistry professor told me that he had the same thoughts about so called “heavy water” (H30 maybe). Supposedly it looks just like real water (and I guess tastes like real water), but is deadly and cannot easily be detected. Has anyone ever exploited these ideas in television or book format?

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**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2004, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-used-a-mutagen-on-fruit-flys-in-a-genetics-class-that-i-took-about-10-yrs-ago/242961/2 "2004-05-01T10:56:34Z")

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I think heavy water is not dangerous.

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**Author:** ![RandomLetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8edcca/32.png) [@RandomLetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandomLetters)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2004, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-used-a-mutagen-on-fruit-flys-in-a-genetics-class-that-i-took-about-10-yrs-ago/242961/3 "2004-05-01T11:07:41Z")

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[Heavy water is mildly toxic.](http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mheavywater.html) It is also very expensive & hard to get, making it an impractical murder weapon. The chemical formula for heavy water is D2O, which has deutrium, a hydrogen isotope with a proton & neutron, replacing normal hydrogen, which has just a single proton.

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**Author:** ![xash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c6cbf5/32.png) [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2004, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-used-a-mutagen-on-fruit-flys-in-a-genetics-class-that-i-took-about-10-yrs-ago/242961/4 "2004-05-01T11:35:49Z")

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**Roland Deschain** , please read the [FAQ](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=106617) and the [Registration Agreement](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=247049) very carefully before you make your next post.

1. From the Registration Agreement:

> [@](#):
>
> You agree not to post any material that in our opinion fosters or promotes illegal activity.

Your question seeks to explore ways in which to kill someone. This is not permitted on these boards. Disguising your question to ask “Has anyone ever exploited these ideas in television or book format?” does not make it legitimate under the rules of these boards.

Do not do this again. You have been warned.  
2. From the Registration Agreement (bolding mine):

> [@](#):
>
> Do not post the same or similar messages or threads to multiple forums; multiple threads on the same topic; **or an excessive number of threads on any topic within a limited period of time.**

While we encourage and entertain users asking unconventional questions, I have noticed that you ask too many questions in a short span of time, not all of which are entirely GQ questions. If this continues indefinitely, I may have to warn you in this regard as well. For now, I hope that you will use your better judgement when you post your next question.

This is closed.

- **xash**  
General Questions Moderator