The Comet Assay in Marine Animals

Methods Mol Biol. 2019:2031:275-286. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9646-9_14.

Abstract

Comet assay is a quick and versatile technique for assessing DNA damage in individual cells. It allows for the detection of DNA single- and double-strand breaks, as well as the presence of alkali labile sites and cross-links. Here we describe protocols for the single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) in its alkaline (pH > 13), mild alkaline (pH = 12.1) and neutral (pH = 8) versions when applied in marine animals.

Keywords: Comet assay; DNA strand breaks; Gills; Hemocytes; Marine animals; Single-cell gel electrophoresis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bivalvia / cytology
  • Bivalvia / drug effects
  • Bivalvia / genetics*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Comet Assay / methods*
  • Cryopreservation / methods
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • Hemocytes / drug effects
  • Hemocytes / metabolism
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Mutagens / toxicity
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • Mutagens