Modification of genotoxic action of sunlight UV with antioxidants – ascorbic and salicylic acids

Abstract

Cells of Crepis capillaris root tips were irradiated with full sunlight, UVB, UV(B+A), or with artificial UVB. The modifying effect of ascorbic acid (AA) and salicylic acid (SA) on the genotoxic action of UV radiation expressed by chromosome aberration (CA) frequency has been studied. Both substances were shown to decrease CA frequency, but the effect was more pronounced if the artificial source of UVB was used. It was proposed that variations in microconditions on the day of UV irradiation as well as the different quality of seeds may be the main cause of variations in the results of investigations. Keywords: sunlight UVB, UVA+UVB, genotoxic action, chromosome berrations, modifiers, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, Crepis capillaris