Determination of genetic and epigenetic effects of glyphosate on Triticum aestivum with RAPD and CRED-RA techniques

• Published in: Theoretical and experimental plant physiology 2015-06, Vol.27 (2), p.131-139
• Main Authors: Nardemir, Gokce, Agar, Guleray, Arslan, Esra, Aygun Erturk, Filiz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Life Sciences
• ISSN: 2197-0025; 2197-0025
• DOI: 10.1007/s40626-015-0039-1

In this study, the most commonly used herbicide, glyphosate, was investigated for its genotoxic effects on the genome of Triticum aestivum. Five different concentrations of the herbicide were used, and alterations to DNA were measured quantitatively based on their RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) profiles. The genomic template stability (GTS%) at each concentration was evaluated, and a decrease was observed with increasing glyphosate concentration. Thus the highest concentration was concluded to be the most effective for causing alteration to DNA. Additionally, the coupled restriction enzyme digestion-random amplification (CRED-RA) technique was used to determine an epigenetic mechanism, e.g. DNA methylation. The polymorphic percentages of all concentration were calculated after herbicide applications. When in glyphosate doses compared with control group, all applications of glyphosate observed to consist of methylation. The methylation levels range from 28.3 to 73.9 % (DNA hypermethylation). In conclusion, based on the RAPD and CRED-RA results, glyphosate causes DNA alterations and methylation.