In vitro germination characteristics of maize pollen to detect biological activity of environmental pollutants

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8137125· OSTI ID:6337013

Pfahler, P L

In vitro pollen germination in maize was evaluated as a method of assessing the mutagenic and physiological effects of environmental pollutants on higher organisms. The extent of mutations was effectively determined by testing sporophytes homozygous for the mutated allele. Physiological effects were effectively determined when chemical agents were added directly into the in vitro medium. Exposure of pollen grains during in vitro germination to ultraviolet radiation in the range 280-320 nm produced little or no change in the germination or rupture percentage but a sharp decrease in pollen tube growth after 1 hr.

• Research Organization: Univ of Florida
• OSTI ID: 6337013
• Journal Information: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Vol. 37
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
POLLEN
GERMINATION
MUTAGEN SCREENING
POLLUTANTS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
IN VITRO
MAIZE
CEREALS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GAMETES
GERM CELLS
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
PLANTS
RADIATIONS
SCREENING
560303* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Plants- (-1987)
560141 - Radiation Effects on Plants- Basic Studies- (-1987)