Linkage analysis in Dictyostelium discoideum using temperature-sensitive growth mutants selected with bromodeoxyuridine

Amoebae of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum grown in the presence of bromodeoxyuridine are killed on exposure to near-ultraviolet light. By using this phenomenon, a method was devised by which mutants of D. discoideum that are temperature-sensitive for growth can be readily obtained. Three such mutants have been characterized genetically and each was found to be associated with a different linkage group. Two of these linkage groups have not previously been described.