Abstract
Even 30 years after the Chernobyl accident, biological effects of irradiation are observed in the chronically exposed Scots pine populations. Chronic radiation exposure at dose rates above 50 mGy∙yr−1 caused oxidative stress and led to the increase of antioxidants concentrations in these populations. Genetic variability was examined for 6 enzymes and 14 enzymatic loci of 6 Scots pine populations. Dose rates over 10 mGy∙yr−1 caused the increased frequency of mutations and changes in genetic structure of Scots pine populations. However, the same dose rates had no effect on enzymatic activities. The results indicate that even relatively low dose rates of radiation can be considered as an ecological factor which should be taken into account for ecological management and radiation protection of biota species.
Highlights
ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to understand if relatively low levels of radiation exposure (0.03–66.6 mGy∙yr−1) cause changes in the genetic structure and antioxidant system of chronically irradiated pine populations
The present work is a part of the continuing long-term (2003–2016) study of the biological effects in Scots pine populations, showing that affected Scots pine populations are characterized by an increased level of cytogenetic abnormalities in root meristem of seedlings[10]
The higher rate of mutations had no effect on the reproductive ability of these trees, which is largely determined by weather conditions[11]
Summary
In this study we aimed to understand if relatively low levels of radiation exposure (0.03–66.6 mGy∙yr−1) cause changes in the genetic structure and antioxidant system of chronically irradiated pine populations
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