Cytogenetic approaches for determining ecological stress in aquatic and terrestrial biosystems

Abstract

Genetic monitoring of the environment is an important component in the analysis of the status of the biosystems. Its efficiency depends on the correct choice of (a) natural bioindicator species; (b) appropriate signs reflecting the state of the environment; and (c) appropriate statistical analysis. The assessment of genomes’ integrity plays the key role in the studies of mutagenicity in a polluted environment. We present a step-by-step recommendations for the analysis of the cytogenetic data and discuss the prospects of applying genetic tests for ecological monitoring, based on the example of analysis using crustacean species.