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A novel, rapid, inexpensive, and highly sensitive experiment for demonstration of DNA damage in human leukocytes by single cell gel electrophoresis
Author(s) -
Manjunatha B. R.,
Manjunatha G. T. S.,
Sarika Christina,
Roopa Katti M.,
Naik G. R.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.2003.494031010159
Subject(s) - dna damage , comet assay , gel electrophoresis , dna , microbiology and biotechnology , chromatography , biology , chemistry , genetics
The single cell gel electrophoresis technique (comet assay) has been adopted to demonstrate the DNA damage in human leukocytes of individuals who are habitual smokers. This technique allows the detection of single strand and double strand DNA breaks, which are indicative of the risk of cancer. The method followed is rapid, inexpensive, and a highly sensitive technique for the evaluation of DNA damage and risk assessment in smokers. This experiment should help students understand the effect of cigarette smoking.