title: Genotoxic effect of cadmium in okra seedlings: comparative investigation with population parameters and molecular markers.
abstract: Plants are considered as good bioindicators because of their significant role in food chain transfer. They are also easy to grow, adaptable to environmental stresses and can be used for assaying a range of environmental conditions in different habitats. Thus, many plant species have been used as bioindicators. In order to evaluate the genotoxic effect of cadmium, okra (Abelmoschus esculontus L.) seedlings were treated with different concentrations (30, 60, 120 mg I(-1)) of cadmium and investigated for their population parameters such as inhibition of root growth; total soluble protein content, dry weight and also the impact of metal on the genetic material by RAPD analysis. Root growth and total soluble protein content in okra seedlings were reduced with increased Cd concentrations. RAPD analysis indicated formation of new bands mostly at 60 and 120 mg I(-1) Cd treatments. Altered DNA band patterns and population parameters after Cd treatments suggest that okra could be used as an indicator to reveal the effects of genotoxic agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Animal Production, Ulukisla Vocational School University of Nigde, Ulukisla, Nigde, 51900, Turkey.
authors.forename: Semra Soydam
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Aydin
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ankara, Tandogan, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
authors.forename: Esin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Basaran
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Institute, University of Ankara, Tandogan, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
authors.forename: Demet
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cansaran-Duman
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ankara, Tandogan, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sümer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aras
mesh_terms: D028483:Abelmoschus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002104:Cadmium / Q000633:toxicity*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects*; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique; D036226:Seedlings / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D009153:Mutagens; D002104:Cadmium