Long term effects of chernobyl contamination on dna repair function and plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors

Tsitol Genet. 2016 Nov-Dec;50(6):34-59.
[Article in English, Russian]

Abstract

Thirty years after the Chernobyl explosion we still lack information regarding the genetic effects of radionuclide contamination on the plant population. For example, are plants adapting to the low dose of chronic ionising irradiation and showing improved resistance to radiation damage? Are they coping with changing/increased pathogenicity of fungi and viruses in the Chernobyl exclusion zone? Are plant populations rapidly accumulating mutational load and should we expect rapid microevolutionary changes in plants in the Chernobyl area? This review will try to summarise the current knowledge on these aspects of plant genetics and ecology and draw conclusions on the importance of further studies in the area around Chernobyl.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chernobyl Nuclear Accident
  • Chromosome Aberrations / radiation effects*
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair*
  • DNA, Plant / chemistry
  • DNA, Plant / radiation effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Gamma Rays / adverse effects*
  • Mutation / radiation effects*
  • Phytophthora / growth & development
  • Phytophthora / pathogenicity
  • Plant Diseases / genetics
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Plant Diseases / virology
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / microbiology
  • Plants / radiation effects*
  • Plants / virology
  • Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Tobacco Mosaic Virus / growth & development
  • Tobacco Mosaic Virus / pathogenicity
  • Ukraine

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • Radioisotopes