Methods for the Assessment of the Genotoxic Effects of Environmental Contaminants; Subcellular Effects

摘要

This technical note is the first in a series of three that outline and describe the principal methods that have been developed to test the potential of environmental contaminants for causing mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. This technical note describes methods used to discern genotoxic effects at the subcellular level, while the second in the series (EEDP-04-25) describes methods used to discern genotoxic effects at the cellular and organ/organism level. In the third technical note (EEDP-04-26), recent literature citations for each topic are listed to assist readers in locating source information. Technical Note EEDP-04-26 also includes a glossary of terms. The information presented in these technical notes is intended to provide Corps of Engineers personnel with a working knowledge of the terminology and conceptual basis of genotoxicity testing. To develop an improved understanding of the concepts of genotoxicity readers are encouraged to review 'A Primer in Genotoxicity' (Jarvis, Reilly, and Lutz 1993), presented in Volume D-933 of the Environmental Effects of Dredging information exchange bulletin.