Oxidative damage to plant DNA in relation to growth conditions

In this study we investigated the level of 8-oxo-2 '-deoxyguanosine (8-oxod G) in DNA of Cardamine pratensis plants subjected to different growth condi tions trying to answer the question whether factors like light and water ac cessibility or low temperature may have an impact on the total DNA oxidativ e damage. The level of this modified nucleoside was determined using HPLC c oupled to UV absorbance and electrochemical detection (HPLC-UV-EC). We did not observe any statistically significant differences in 8-oxodG level betw een DNA of etiolated and light exposed plants as well as between DNA of reg ularly watered and drought-subjected plants. In contrast, we have shown tha t chilling (1 degrees C for 28 h) brings about the increase of 8-oxodG leve l in DNA.