Identification of Low-dose Irradiated Seeds using the Neutral Comet Assay

Abstract

The single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) was used to identify seeds irradiated with low doses of 60Co gamma radiation. Soya beans, lentils, sunflower, sesame and linseed were used in the experiments. The doses given were 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1.0 kGy. Samples of lentil and sunflower were also given a dose of 25 Gy. The analyses were made independently by the authors in Mol (G.K.) and Uppsala (H.C.) about 1 year after irradiation (about 1 week for 0.5 kGy and 25 Gy). In Mol the evaluation was performed using a computer-assisted image analysis system, while in Uppsala the identification was made by simple eye inspection with a fluorescence microscope. We found that all the samples could be identified by either means, including the one irradiated with 25 Gy. Image analysis permits a detailed analysis of the migration patterns of DNA as well as homogeneity study of the samples.