Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs, size <100 nm) find applications in a wide range of products including food and cosmetics. Studies have found that exposure to TiO2 NPs can cause inflammation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and cell apoptosis. In this article, we have reviewed the recent literature on the potential of TiO2 NPs to cause genotoxicity and summarized the results of two standard genotoxicity assays, the comet and micronucleus (MN) assays. Analysis of these peer-reviewed publications shows that the comet assay is the most common genotoxicity test, followed by MN, Ames, and chromosome aberration tests. These assays have reported positive as well as negative results, although there is inconsistency in some results that need to be confirmed further by well-designed experiments. We also discuss the possible mechanisms of TiO2 NP genotoxicity and point out areas that warrant further research.
The present study was conducted to assess the extent of induced genetic variability and to determine the inheritance pattern of various yield contributing phenotypic traits in M
2
and M
3
generations of urdbean following mutagenesis with single and combination treatments of gamma rays and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS). The mean number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight increased in all the mutagenic treatments in both the varieties with few exceptions in M
2
generation. Mean pod length although increased considerably, however it did not differ significantly in most of the mutagenic treatments. In M
3
generation, 0.2% EMS and 300 Gy γ rays+0.2% EMS treatments induced maximum increase in mean pod length, seeds per pod and 100-seed weight in both the varieties. Genetic parameters showed manifold increase in most of the mutagenic treatments and varied from trait to trait. Increased genetic variability for economically important traits in the selected mutant lines has successfully contributed in diversifying the accessible genetic base which could be exploited for subsequent improvement of urdbean through phenotypic selection.
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