Higher Plant Assays for the Detection of Genotoxicity in Air Polluted Environments

Abstract

Since the beginning of time pollution has been created by human activities. However, the intensity and the severity of the different kinds of pollution have emerged only in the last few decades and many intricate facets have been revealed. It is gradually being recognized that our health and the ecosystem are being severely affected by environmental chemicals that enter the atmosphere. Plants comprise a large portion of our biosphere and constitute a vital link in the food chain. In this review, types of mutagenic chemicals found both indoor and outdoor are given and several higher plant bioassays for screening and monitoring environmental mutagens are discussed. One plant ideal for monitoring and testing for air pollution is Tradescantia. This species has been used to test for mutagenicity of radioisotope‐contaminated air following the Chernobyl nuclear accident and monitoring around nuclear power plants. One of the greatest contributions of plant bioassays will be their continued use for ambient air monitoring and testing for genotoxicity which can be carried out on a global scale.

Comparative Analysis of Bioindicator and Genotoxicity Indicator Capacity of Lichens Exposed to Air Pollution

“…They act either through the direct action of the toxicant at the DNA level (direct mutagenic effect) or via toxicant-mediated mortality and/or curtailment of reproduction (population genetic effects). Furthermore polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), heavy metals and halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, have been shown to be genotoxic to the living organisms (Grant, 1998). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are capable of covalent interaction with nucleophilic centres of DNA (Piraino et al, 2006).…”

“…Furthermore polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), heavy metals and halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons have been shown to be genotoxic to the living organisms (Grant, 1998). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are capable of forming covalent interaction with nucleophilic centres of DNA (Piraino et al, 2006).…”

Variability of cytogenetic disturbances in Lonicera caerulea (blue honeysuckle) population in an active fault zone

“…Оценка генотоксичности зон активных тектонических разломов возможна с использованием цитогенетических под-ходов [14][15]. Для такого тестирования можно использовать многолетние высшие растения, так как они позволяют выявить эффект длительного воз-действия.…”

Screening of antinutrients in leaves, fruit pulp and seeds of Gishta (Annona spp.) of Ethiopia, North East Africa

“…A common strategy of plants is to produce foul-tasting compounds such as many bitter nitrogen containing alkaloids, glucosinolates and cyanogenic glucosides. Plants are capable of bioconverting promutagens into toxic metabolites (Grant, 1998). Experimental studies found many "edible" and medicinal plants to be mutagenic in vitro (Higashimoto et al, 1993;Kassie et al, 1998).…”