Chromosomal Aberration Test Utilities In Vitro and In Vivo

Abstract

Human populations are frequently exposed to several mutagenic agents that have the potential to damage the DNA, and this, in many cases, may result in the formation of chromosomal aberrations (CAs). CAs are recognized as an important biomarker of human exposure, being a very important tool for environmental biomonitoring. Although there are several types, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the processing of induced lesions in DNA and how these could result in CAs. Thus, cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics are tools of great importance for identifying these agents, the conditions that can exercise their mutagenic potential, and their action mechanism. This chapter discusses the history of CA formation and some cytogenetic protocols that may be used to perform the chromosomal aberration test in in vivo and in vitro studies.