Mutation processes in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster and Hirundo rustica from radiation-contaminated regions of Ukraine

Natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster and Hirmulo rustica from regions of Ukraine exhibiting, different levels of radiation contamination are investigated. Genetic monitoring was performed with respect to such parameters as the frequency of visible sex-linked mutations, frequency of gonad reduction in Drosophila, and rate of interphase manifestations of chromosomal instability in the erythrocytes of the birds. The results attest to a possible opposite dependence of the level of chromosomal instability among, swallows and that of the rate of lethal mutations ill the sex chromosome of Drosophila oil the density of radiation contamination.