N-acetyl-cysteine mitigates arsenic stress in lettuce: Molecular, biochemical, and physiological perspective.

Agricultural land contaminated with heavy metals such as non-biodegradable arsenic (As) has become a serious global problem as it adversely affects agricultural productivity, food security and human health. Therefore, in this study, we investigated how the administration of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), regulates the physio-biochemical and gene expression level to reduce As toxicity in lettuce. According to our results, different NAC levels (125, 250 and 500 µM) significantly alleviated the growth inhibition and toxicity induced by As stress (20 mg/L). Shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight and root dry weight (33.05%, 55.34%, 17.97% and 46.20%, respectively) were decreased in plants grown in As-contaminated soils compared to lettuce plants grown in soils without the addition of As. However, NAC applications together with As stress increased these growth parameters. While the highest increase in shoot fresh and dry weight (58.31% and 37.85%, respectively) was observed in 250 µM NAC application, the highest increase in root fresh and dry weight (75.97% and 63.07%, respectively) was observed in 125 µM NAC application in plants grown in As-polluted soils. NAC application decreased the amount of ROS, MDA and H2O2 that increased with As stress, and decreased oxidative damage by regulating hormone levels, antioxidant and enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism. According to gene expression profiles, LsHIPP28 and LsABC3 genes have shown important roles in reducing As toxicity in leaves. This study will provide insight for future studies on how NAC applications develop resistance to As stress in lettuce.

5-Aminolevulinic acid treatment mitigates pesticide stress in bean seedlings by regulating stress-related gene expression and retrotransposon movements.

Overdoses of pesticides lead to a decrease in the yield and quality of plants, such as beans. The unconscious use of deltamethrin, one of the synthetic insecticides, increases the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by causing oxidative stress in plants. In this case, plants tolerate stress by activating the antioxidant defense mechanism and many genes. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) improves tolerance to stress by acting exogenously in low doses. There are many gene families that are effective in the regulation of this mechanism. In addition, one of the response mechanisms at the molecular level against environmental stressors in plants is retrotransposon movement. In this study, the expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and stress-associated protein (SAP) genes were determined by Q-PCR in deltamethrin (0.5 ppm) and various doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/l) of ALA-treated bean seedlings. In addition, one of the response mechanisms at the molecular level against environmental stressors in plants is retrotransposon movement. It was determined that deltamethrin increased the expression of SOD (1.8-fold), GPX (1.4-fold), CAT (2.7-fold), and SAP (2.5-fold) genes, while 20 and 40 mg/l ALA gradually increased the expression of these genes at levels close to control, but 80 mg/l ALA increased the expression of these genes almost to the same level as deltamethrin (2.1-fold, 1.4-fold, 2.6-fold, and 2.6-fold in SOD, GPX, CAT, and SAP genes, respectively). In addition, retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) was performed to determine the polymorphism caused by retrotransposon movements. While deltamethrin treatment has caused a decrease in genomic template stability (GTS) (27%), ALA treatments have prevented this decline. At doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/L of ALA treatments, the GTS ratios were determined to be 96.8%, 74.6%, and 58.7%, respectively. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that ALA has the utility of alleviating pesticide stress effects on beans.

Advances in bread wheat production through CRISPR/Cas9 technology: a comprehensive review of quality and other aspects.

MAIN CONCLUSION: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the CRISPR/Cas9 technique and the research areas of this gene editing tool in improving wheat quality. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the basic nutrition for most of the human population, contributes 20% of the daily energy needed because of its, carbohydrate, essential amino acids, minerals, protein, and vitamin content. Wheat varieties that produce high yields and have enhanced nutritional quality will be required to fulfill future demands. Hexaploid wheat has A, B, and D genomes and includes three like but not identical copies of genes that influence important yield and quality. CRISPR/Cas9, which allows multiplex genome editing provides major opportunities in genome editing studies of plants, especially complicated genomes such as wheat. In this overview, we discuss the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, which is credited with bringing about a paradigm shift in genome editing studies. We also provide a summary of recent research utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 to investigate yield, quality, resistance to biotic/abiotic stress, and hybrid seed production. In addition, we provide a synopsis of the laboratory experience-based solution alternatives as well as the potential obstacles for wheat CRISPR studies. Although wheat's extensive genome and complicated polyploid structure previously slowed wheat genetic engineering and breeding progress, effective CRISPR/Cas9 systems are now successfully used to boost wheat development.

α-Tocopherol application as a countermeasure to UV-B stress in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The source of energy for all photoautotrophic organisms is light, which is absorbed by photosynthetic processes and used to transform carbon dioxide and H2O into organic molecules. The majority of UV-B light (280 to 320 nm) is absorbed by stratospheric ozone layer, although some of it does reach at the Earth's surface. Because of the sedentary lifestyle of plants, this form of abiotic stress is unavoidable and can induce growth and even cell death. Ten-day-old calli generated from mature Kirik wheat embryos were subjected to UV-B radiation for 0, 2, 4, and 6 h to examine the function of exogenous α-tocopherol, a lipophilic antioxidant, in wheat tolerance to UV-B radiation stress. The calli were then moved to a callus medium containing α-tocopherol (0, 50, and 100 mg/l) and cultivated there for 20 days after being subjected to UV-B stress. For plant regeneration, embryogenic calli were put on a medium for plant regeneration after 30 days. The findings of this investigation demonstrated that an increase in UV-B exposure period resulted in a substantial drop in the relative growth rate of callus, the rate of embryogenic callus, the rate of responding embryogenic callus, and the number of plants in each explant. On the other hand, with the application of α-tocopherol, all these parameters improved, and the best result was observed in the application of 100 mg/l of α-tocopherol in terms of plant regeneration under UV-B stress.

Biosynthesis of capsaicinoids in pungent peppers under salinity stress.

The synthesis of capsaicinoids occurs in the placenta of the fruits of pungent peppers. However, the mechanism of capsaicinoids' biosynthesis in pungent peppers under salinity stress conditions is unknown. The Habanero and Maras genotypes, the hottest peppers in the world, were chosen as plant material for this study, and they were grown under normal and salinity (5 dS m-1 ) conditions. The results showed that salinity stress harmed plant growth but increased the capsaicin content by 35.11% and 37.00%, as well as the dihydrocapsaicin content by 30.82% and 72.89% in the fruits of the Maras and Habanero genotypes, respectively, at 30 days after planting. The expression analysis of key genes in capsaicinoids biosynthesis revealed that the PAL1, pAMT, KAS, and PUN1 genes were overexpressed in the vegetative and reproductive organs of pungent peppers under normal conditions. However, under salinity stress, overexpression of PAL1, pAMT, and PUN1 genes was identified in the roots of both genotypes, which was accompanied by an increase in capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content. The findings showed that salinity stress caused an enhancement in the capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin contents in the roots, leaves, and fruits of pungent peppers. Nonetheless, it was found that the production of capsaicinoids is generally not restricted to the fruits of pungent peppers.

Characterization of Two-Component System gene (TCS) in melatonin-treated common bean under salt and drought stress.

The two-component system (TCS) generally consists of three elements, namely the histidine kinase (HK), response regulator (RR), and histidine phosphotransfer (HP) gene families. This study aimed to assess the expression of TCS genes in P. vulgaris leaf tissue under salt and drought stress and perform a genome-wide analysis of TCS gene family members using bioinformatics methods. This study identified 67 PvTCS genes, including 10 PvHP, 38 PvRR, and 19 PvHK, in the bean genome. PvHK2 had the maximum number of amino acids with 1261, whilst PvHP8 had the lowest number with 87. In addition, their theoretical isoelectric points were between 4.56 (PvHP8) and 9.15 (PvPRR10). The majority of PvTCS genes are unstable. Phylogenetic analysis of TCS genes in A. thaliana, G. max, and bean found that PvTCS genes had close phylogenetic relationships with the genes of other plants. Segmental and tandem duplicate gene pairs were detected among the TCS genes and TCS genes have been subjected to purifying selection pressure in the evolutionary process. Furthermore, the TCS gene family, which has an important role in abiotic stress and hormonal responses in plants, was characterized for the first time in beans, and its expression of TCS genes in bean leaves under salt and drought stress was established using RNAseq and qRT-PCR analyses. The findings of this study will aid future functional and genomic studies by providing essential information about the members of the TCS gene family in beans. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01406-5.

Determination of antimicrobial and antimutagenic properties of some Schiff bases.

In this study, we aimed to investigate for the first time antimicrobial and antimutagenic activities new two Schiff bases, obtained from a primary amine (p-toluidine, o-toluidine) and an aldehyde (Helicin). Synthesized compounds characterized with elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. 1H-13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Antimutagenic activity was evaluated by micronuclei assay. Antimicrobial activity of Schiff bases have been demonstrated against pathogenic four Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus cereus) and four Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudumonas aeroginosa, Salmonella typhi H, Brucella abortus, Escherichia coli) and two yeasts (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The results showed that both Schiff bases have antimutagenic activity. Especially, high concentration (20 µM) of (E)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(2-((p-tolylimino)methyl)phenoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol (Compound I) and (E)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(2-((o-tolylimino)methyl)phenoxy)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol (Compound II) have strong antimutagenic activity against aflatoxin B1. On the other hand, both of studied compounds were found effective against pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. Compound I exhibited more activity against P. aeroginosa, S aureus, S.typhi H and C. albicans comparable to Compound II and standard antibiotics. Additionally, Compound II showed better inhibitory activity than Compound I against Candida albicans and Br. Abortus. Therefore, these compounds can be used in phytotherapeutic due to theirs antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities.

Humic + Fulvic acid mitigated Cd adverse effects on plant growth, physiology and biochemical properties of garden cress.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic and very mobile heavy metal that can be adsorbed and uptaken by plants in large quantities without any visible sign. Therefore, stabilization of Cd before uptake is crucial to the conservation of biodiversity and food safety. Owing to the high number of carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups in their structure, humic substances form strong bonds with heavy metals which makes them perfect stabilizing agents. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of humic and fulvic acid (HA + FA) levels (0, 3500, 5250, and 7000 mg/L) on alleviation of Cadmium (Cd) toxicity in garden cress (Lepidium sativum) contaminated with Cd (CdSO4.8H2O) (0, 100, and 200 Cd mg/kg) under greenhouse conditions. Our results showed that, Cd stress had a negative effect on the growth of garden cress, decreased leaf fresh, leaf dry, root fresh and root dry weights, leaf relative water content (LRWC), and mineral content except for Cd, and increased the membrane permeability (MP) and enzyme (CAT, SOD and POD) activity. However, the HA + FA applications decreased the adverse effects of the Cd pollution. At 200 mg/kg Cd pollution, HA + FA application at a concentration of 7000 mg/L increased the leaf fresh, leaf dry, root fresh, root dry weights, stem diameter, leaf area, chlorophyll reading value (CRV), MP, and LRWC values by 262%, 137%, 550%,133%, 92%, 104%, 34%, 537%, and 32% respectively, compared to the control. Although the highest H2O2, MDA, proline and sucrose values were obtained at 200 mg/L Cd pollution, HA + FA application at a concentration of 7000 mg/L successfully alleviated the deleterious effects of Cd stress by decreasing H2O2, MDA, proline, and sucrose values by 66%, 68%, 70%, and 56%, respectively at 200 mg/kg Cd pollution level. HA + FA application at a concentration of 7000 mg/L successfully mitigated the negative impacts of Cd pollution by enhanced N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B by 75%, 23%, 84%, 87%, 40%, 85%, 143%, 1%, 65%, and 115%, respectively. In addition, HA + FA application at a concentration of 7000 mg/L successfully reduced Cd uptake by 95% and Cl uptake by 80%. Considering the plant growth parameters, the best results were determined when HA + FA concentration was 7000 mg/L. We have shown that, it is critical to apply a humic substance with high percentage of FA, which was 10% in this study, to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metal stress on plant growth. In conclusion, the application of HA + FA may be suggested as an effective solution for reducing the Cd uptake of the plants by stabilizing Cd in soil and preventing translocation of Cd from the roots of plant to its shoot and leaves.

Determination of the Genetic Relationships Among Salvia Species by RAPD and ISSR Analyses.

OBJECTIVES: Salvia L. is the largest genus of the family Lamiaceae, which includes approximately 1000 species. According to recent studies, 100 Salvia species in total grow in Turkey. At the same time, 53% of them are endemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic relationships among 15 Salvia species that grow in wild conditions in Turkey's Eastern Anatolia region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The genetic relationships among 15 Salvia species were investigated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic-DNA (RAPD) profiles in the present study. Thirteen ISSR primers and 11 RAPD primers were utilized. The ISSR and RAPD data were combined to construct the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic average cluster. RESULTS: Based on the RAPD and ISSR data, the Salvia species were classified into six groups. As a result of the combined analysis, it was shown that similarities between the species varied between 0.54 (S. rosifolia-S. sclarea, S. rosifolia-S. limbata, and S. staminea-S. verticillata) and 0.93 (S. sclera-S. divaricata). CONCLUSION: The findings show that the two markers represent powerful instruments for assessing the genetic diversity and relationships among Salvia species.

Cobalt-induced retrotransposon polymorphism and humic acid protection on maize genome.

Retrotransposon activity and genomic template stability (GTS) are one of the most significant rearranging mechanisms in environmental stress. Therefore, in this study, it is aimed to elucidate effecting of Cobalt (Co) on the instability of genomes and Long Terminal Repeat retrotransposon polymorphism in Zea mays and whether humic acid (HA) has any role on these parameters. For this purpose, Retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) and Inter-Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) markers were applied to evaluate retrotransposon polymorphism and the GTS levels. It was found that IRAP and REMAP primers generate unique polymorphic band structures on maize plants treated with various doses of Co. Retrotransposon polymorphism increased and GTS decreased while increasing Co concentration. On the other hand, there was a reduction in negative effects of Co on retrotransposon GTS and polymorphism after treatment with HA. The results indicate that HA may be used effectively for the protection of maize seedlings from the destructive effects of Co toxicity.

Novel polymeric microspheres: Synthesis, enzyme immobilization, antimutagenic activity, and antimicrobial evaluation against pathogenic microorganisms.

New polymeric microspheres containing azomethine (1a-1c and 2a-2c) were synthesized by condensation to compare the enzymatic properties of the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and to investigate antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities. The polymeric microspheres were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The catalytic activity of the glucose oxidase enzyme follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Influence of temperature, reusability, and storage capacity of the free and immobilized glucose oxidase enzyme were investigated. It is determined that immobilized enzymes exhibit good storage stability and reusability. After immobilization of GOx in polymeric supports, the thermal stability of the enzyme increased and the maximum reaction rate (Vmax ) decreased. The activity of the immobilized enzymes was preserved even after 5 months. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the polymeric microspheres were evaluated by well-diffusion method against some selected pathogenic microorganisms. The antimutagenic properties of all compounds were also examined against sodium azide in human lymphocyte cells by micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange tests.

Nitric oxide mitigates salt stress effects of pepper seedlings by altering nutrient uptake, enzyme activity and osmolyte accumulation.

This study was planned to evaluate the role of exogenous application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, on the deleterious effect of salinity in Capsicum annum L. seedlings. Different NO doses (0, 50, 100 and 150 µM SNP) were foliarly applied to pepper seedlings grown under the non-saline and saline conditions (50, 100 and 150 mM of NaCl). The photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), mineral element (Zn, Fe, B, K, Ca and Mg) uptake, plant growth and leaf relative water content (LRWC) were decreased by NaCl treatment, but NO treatments generally improved the observed parameters. 150 mM NaCl treatment caused overaccumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 87 and 100% respectively as compared to control. However, NO application (150 µM SNP) at 150 mM of NaCl significantly decreased H2O2 and MDA to 34 and 54%, respectively. The present study clarified that the exogenous NO treatment supported pepper seedlings against salinity stress by regulating the mineral nutrient uptake, antioxidant enzyme activity, osmolyte accumulation, and improving the LRWC and photosynthetic activity.

Synthesis, anti-microbial and anti-mutagenic activities of some Schiff bases derivatives containing thiophene group.

The aim of this study is to investigate for the first time in vitro antimicrobial and antimutagenic activities of Schiff bases included the azomethine group. Antimutagenic activity was evaluated by micronucleus (MN) assay. These group have been examined for antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi H, Brucella abortus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results of MN showed that Schiff bases ((E)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methanimine ; (E)-N-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-(5-nitrothiophen-2-yl) methanimine) different concentrations decreased the toxic effects of Aflatoxin B1. Especially, high concentration (20µM) of (E)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methanimine (compound 1) has strong antimutagenic activity. In our in vitro test systems, it was observed that Schiff bases had antimutagenic effects on human lymphocytes. On the other hand these compounds were also found to possess antimicrobial activity against some test bacteria and yeast. The antimicrobial test results of these Schiff bases included the azomethine group exhibited better activity than some known antibiotics. In particular, Compound 1 were more potent bactericides than all of the substances synthesized. In conclusion, this Schiff bases included the azomethine group can be use pharmacy industries as recognized with their noncytotoxic, antimicrobial and antimutagenic features.

Anti-mutagenic and Anti-oxidant Potencies of Cetraria Aculeata (Schreb.) Fr., Cladonia Chlorophaea (Flörke ex Sommerf.) Spreng. and Cetrelia olivetorum (Nyl.) W.L. Culb. & C.F. Culb.).

In this study, the mutagenic and anti-mutagenic effects of methanol extract of three lichen species (Cetraria aculeata, Cladonia chlorophaea and Cetrelia olivetorum) were investigated by using E. coli-WP2, Ames-Salmonella (TA1535 and TA1537) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test systems. The results obtained from bacterial test systems demonstrated that methanol extracts of three lichen species have strong anti-mutagenic potencies on TA1535, TA1537 strains and to a lesser extent on E. coli-WP2 strain. The anti-oxidant level of human lymphocytes cells was determined in order to clarify the mechanism underlying the anti-mutagenic effects of these lichen species. Co-treatments of 5, 10 and 20 µg/mL concentrations of these three lichen species with AFB decreased the frequencies of SCE and the level of MDA and increased the amount of SOD, GSH and GPx which decreased by aflatoxin. The findings of this work have clearly demonstrated that Cetraria aculeata, Cladonia chlorophaea and Cetrelia olivetorum have significant anti-mutagenic effects which are thought to be partly due to the anti-oxidant activities and the interaction capability of lichen extracts with mutagen agents (Sodium azide, acridin, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and aflatoxin B1).

Protective role of humic acids against picloram-induced genomic instability and DNA methylation in Phaseolus vulgaris.

Picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) is a liquid auxinic herbicide used to control broad-leaved weeds. Picloram is representing a possible hazard to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, in this study, DNA methylation changes and DNA damage levels in Phaseolus vulgaris exposed to picloram, as well as whether humic acid (HA) has preventive effects on these changes were investigated. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques were used for identification of DNA damage and coupled restriction enzyme digestion-random amplification (CRED-RA) techniques were used to detect the changed pattern of DNA methylation. According to the obtained results, picloram (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/l) caused DNA damage profile changes (RAPDs) increasing, DNA hypomethylation and genomic template stability (GTS) decreasing. On the other hand, different concentrations of applied HA (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) reduced hazardous effects of picloram. The results of the experiment have explicitly indicated that HAs could be an alternative for reducing genetic damage in plants. In addition to the alleviate effects of humic acid on genetic damage, its epigenetic effect is hypomethylation.

5-Aminolevulinic acid improves DNA damage and DNA Methylation changes in deltamethrin-exposed Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings.

Deltamethrin, synthetic type II pyrethroid, is one of the most widely used pesticide in agriculture. Intense use of deltamethrin can cause permanant or temporary damages in nontarget plant species. In this study, we aimed to determine DNA methylation change and DNA damage level in Phaseolus vulgaris seedlings subjected to different concentrations of deltamethrin (0.02, 0.1 and 0.5 ppm). Coupled Restriction Enzyme Digestion-Random Amplification (CRED-RA) was performed to analyze the changes of DNA methylation as well as Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for genotoxic influences estimation and genomic stability. The results showed that deltamethrin caused to increase in RAPD profile changes (DNA damage) and reduce in Genomic Template Stability (GTS). GTS declined markedly in relation to increasing concentration of deltamethrin applied. The lowest GTS value (71.4%) observed in 0.5 ppm deltamethrin treatment. Also, DNA hypermethylation was occurred in all treatments. Moreover, alleviative effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) (20, 40 and 80 mg/l), one of the plant growth regulators, was tested against the 0.5 ppm deltamethrin. Adverse effects of deltamethrin on GTS decreased after ALA treatments, especially 20 mg/l concentration. As a result, we concluded that ALA has a strong anti-genotoxic agent against deltamethrin and it could be an alternative chemical to reduce genetic damage in plants under deltamethrin stress conditions.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic potencies of Sempervivum armenum on human lymphocytes in vitro.

In this research, the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of methanol extract of Sempervivum armenum (MSA) were studied using micronucleus (MN) test and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test systems in cultured human peripheral blood cells. According to the SCE and MN tests results, MSA reduced the genotoxic effects of aflatoxin B1. In order to explain the reason for the antigenotoxic effects of MSA, antioxidants levels were determined. Cotreatments of 5, 10, 20 mg/mL concentrations of MSA with aflatoxin B1 decreased the frequencies of SCE, MN and the malondialdehyde level and increased the amount of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase which were decreased by aflatoxin. The results of this experiment showed that MSA has strong antioxidative and antigenotoxic effects and this antigenotoxic activities of MSA can be due to the antioxidant activities.

Static magnetic field induced epigenetic changes in wheat callus.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is always damaged by endogenous and exogenous factors. Magnetic field (MF) is one of these exogenous factors. When repair mechanisms are not sufficient, mainly because of imbalance in damage or mistakes in repair mechanisms, methylation of DNA results in polymorphism-related abnormalities. In this study, low intensity static magnetic field-induced DNA damage and methylation in wheat calli were investigated by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Coupled Restriction Enzyme Digestion-Random Amplification techniques. Calli were derived from mature embryos of wheat. Both 7- and 14-day-old wheat calli were exposed to 7 mT (millitesla) static MF for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 h of incubation period. The highest change in polymorphism rate was obtained in calli exposed to 7 mT MF for 120 h in both 7- and 14-day-old calli. Increase in MF duration caused DNA hypermethylation in both 7- and 14-day-old calli. Polymorphism and DNA methylation ratio were higher in 7-day-old calli. The highest methylation level with a value of 25.1% was found in 7-day-old calli exposed to MF for 120 h. Results suggested that low intensity static magnetic field may trigger genomic instability and DNA methylation. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:504-511, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genetic diversity and relationships detected by ISSR and RAPD analysis among Aethionema species growing in Eastern Anatolia (Turkey).

In this study, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) analysis were used to examine the genetic relationships among eight Aethionema species (Aethionema caespitosum, A. arabicum, A. cordatum, A. fimnraitum, A. armenum, A. speciosum supsp. speciosum, A. memraneceum, A. grandiflorum var. grandiflorum) growing in the wild in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. Fourteen RAPD primers and 7 ISSR primers were used. The UPGMA cluster was constructed using a combination of data from RAPD and ISSR markers. The Aethionema species were classified into two major groups. The similarity matrix values of between 0.182 (A. cordatum, A. speciosum supsp. speciosum) and 0.927 (A. grandiflorum var. grandiflorum, A. cordatum). High genetic variations among Aethionema species growing in the wild in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey may reveal differences in their origin. The present study suggests that both RAPD and ISSR analysis are useful for the differentiation of the Aethionema species.