title: The single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay): a European review.
abstract: The single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay is a rapid, simple, visual and sensitive technique for measuring DNA breakage in individual mammalian cells. Here we review the development of the SCGE assay (with particular reference to the alkaline version), existing protocols for the detection and analysis of comets, the relevant underlying principles determining the behaviour of DNA, and the potential applications of the technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: V J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: McKelvey-Martin
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schmezer
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Pool-Zobel
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: De Méo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel / Q000379:methods*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000379:methods; D009153:Mutagens / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D009153:Mutagens; D004247:DNA