The effects of some environmental gaseous pollutants on pollen-wall proteins of certain airborne pollen grains: A preliminary study

Abstract

Pure pollen grains of Ulmus pumita, Quercus rubra, Pinus taeda, and Festuca elatior were used as a biological screen to test the effects of certain commonly occurring atmospheric pollutants on pollen wall protein. The pollen grain samples were collected aseptically and contaminated with the gaseous pollutants NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulphur dioxide)J, and CO (carbon monoxide). After the extracts were analyzed by disk gel electrophoresis, the results indicate that apparent changes occur in the quality of the contaminated pollen wall proteins. © 1983, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.