Effect of chronic radiation on the flax ( Linum usitatissimum L.) genome grown for six consecutive generations in the radioactive Chernobyl area

What is it about?

The growth of plants under chronic radiation stress in the Chernobyl area may cause changes in the genome of plants. To assess the extent of genetic and epigenetic changes in nuclear DNA, seeds of the annual crop flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), sown 21 years after the accident and grown for six generations in radioactive and remediated (control) fields, were analysed. Results of the AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis indicated a link between the mutation process in the flax genome and the ongoing adaptation process. MSAP (Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism) analysis showed no significant differences in methylation level; however, it detected substantial changes in the DNA methylation pattern of flaxseed samples harvested from the radioactive field compared to controls. These results indicate that the nuclear genome of flax exposed to chronic radiation for six generations uses DNA methylation as one of the adaptation mechanisms for sustainability under adverse conditions.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

These results indicate that the nuclear genome of flax exposed to chronic radiation for six generations uses DNA methylation as one of the adaptation mechanisms for sustainability under adverse conditions.