Comparison of ultraviolet-induced genotoxicity detected by random amplified polymorphic DNA with chlorophyll fluorescence and growth in a marine macroalgae, Palmaria palmata

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to detect DN A damage in the sublittoral macroalgae Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyta) expose d to both ambient and elevated irradiances of UV-B (280-315 nm). To investi gate the potential of this method in ecotoxicological assessments, the qual itative and quantitative modifications in RAPD profiles were compared with changes in a number of physiological and fitness parameters. RAPD detectabl e modifications in DNA profiles were observed in all UV exposed individuals compared with controls. Changes in chlorophyll fluorescence (F-v/F-m ratio ), in vivo pigment absorptance, thallus growth and RAPD profiles, examined simultaneously. provided a sensitive measure of UV-induced toxicity. In con clusion, the application of the RAPD method in conjunction with other suita ble physiological and fitness measurements, may prove to be a valuable tool for investigating the specific effects of genotoxic agents upon marine alg al populations. Ultimately, this methodology may allow the ecotoxicological examination of the link between molecular alterations and measurable adver se effects at higher Levels of biological organisation. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience B.V. All rights reserved.