An additional Y-chromosome in either male or female did not have an influence on the mutagenic action of formaldehyde–food. It is concluded that the lack of response of female germs cells to this treatment is not due to lack of a Y-chromosome, and that the specific response of spermatocytes among germ cells is probably not due to the striking activity of the Y in these cells.
Kershner's (1949) observation that the sex-linked lethal frequency in X-rayed males was significantly reduced by an additional Y-chromosome could not be confirmed.