Biochemical Detection of DNA Damage in Aquatic Species

For the biomonitoring of DNA damage in aquatic species exposed to genotoxic agents, an optimal methbe capable of detecting many classes of DNA damage in a variety of cell types, should provide data aindividual cell, should be adaptable to field studies, and should be sensitive, rapid, and cost effeelectrophoresis assay has been developed which appears to fulfill these criteria. The Single Cell Geindividual cells, the presence of DNA single strand breaks and alkali-labile sites. Other advantages(1) data that are obtained on the intercellular distribution of DNA damage; (2) extremely small numb(i.e., a few thousand cells); and (3) its speed, sensitivity, and simplicity. The research will charthis technique as an environmental biomarker for DNA damage using in vivo studies involving freshwatinvertebrates. In Phase II, research will be expanded to include on-site collection of species fromareas. When fully characterized, this technique will allow the monitoring of DNA damage in aquatic ptissue samples obtained either in the field or the laboratory.