Title:
Assessing the Genotoxic Effects of Microparticulate Exposure in Drosophila Melanogaster
Assessing the Genotoxic Effects of Microparticulate Exposure in Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors
Kabir, Fahim
Snell, Terry W.
Danielson, Chris
Snell, Terry W.
Danielson, Chris
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Abstract
Exposure to microparticulate matter and endocrine disruptors has been linked to severe pathological and
disruptive effects on human health. Airborne microparticles are confirmed vectors for various pulmonary and
cardiovascular conditions as well as adverse genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Endocrine disruptors are especially
detrimental since they selectively interfere with the sex hormone functions of the host organism and can
potentially disrupt ecosystems by hindering reproduction in affected species. Despite the fact that there are
numerous studies assessing the cytotoxic effects of airborne microparticulate matter, there is a clear deficiency
of conclusive data and topical research assessing the genotoxic effects of microparticles on organisms. The aim of
this study was to evaluate the significance of microparticulate exposure in an urbanized setting in order to assess
whether anthropogenic causes are producing detrimentally quantifiable genotoxic effects and possibly endocrine
disruption. Drosophila melanogaster was used as a model test subject to analyze for survivorship, induced
genotoxicity, and distorted sex ratios across generations. Samples of microparticulate matter were collected from
four locations of varying degrees of urbanization and incorporated into the parental generation and observed
over two generations. Microparticulate exposure did in fact have an observable generational selection effect on
D. melanogaster. We also observed distorted sex ratios in the F1 generation; however, endocrine disruption
was not attributable to exposure. Based on a comet assay, we found clear indications that genotoxic damage was
linked to the extent of microparticulate exposure.
Sponsor
Office of Student Media; Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program; Georgia Tech Library.
Date Issued
2011
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