title: Micronucleus assay with tetrad cells of Tradescantia.
abstract: The Tradescantia micronucleus assay is being used since almost 50 years for the detection of genotoxins (including carcinogens) in the environment. A large database on the effects of individual compounds and of complex environmental mixtures (soil, air and water) has accumulated. In contrast to other mutagenicity test systems, the effects of low concentrations of heavy metals, radionuclides, certain herbicides and pesticides, and gaseous mutagens can be detected and it is also possible to use the test for in situ biomonitoring studies. The test system has been validated, and standardized protocols have been developed for laboratory experiments and for field studies, which are described in this chapter.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cancer Research, Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Miroslav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mišík
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pichler
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rainer
authors.forename: Armen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nersesyan
authors.forename: Siegfried
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Knasmueller
mesh_terms: D046508:Culture Techniques; D008540:Meiosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D015162:Micronucleus Tests / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D034823:Tradescantia / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development