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As genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) becomes routine, the challenge is to identify the underlying genes. This paper develops rigorous genetic tests for evaluation of candidate genes for a QTL, involving determination of allelic status in inbred strains and fine-structure genetic mapping. For the Mom1 modifier of intestinal adenomas caused by ApcMin, these tests are used to evaluate two candidate genes: Pla2g2a, a secretory phospholipase, and Rap1GAP, a GTPase activating protein. Rap1GAP passes the first test but is excluded by a single fine-structure recombinant. Pla2g2a passes both tests and is a strong candidate for Mom1. Significantly, we also find that ApcMin-induced adenomas remain heterozygous for the Mom1 region, consistent with Mom1 acting outside the tumor lineage and encoding a secreted product.