Gamma radiation-induced molecular toxicity and effects on pluripotent stem cells of the radiosensitive conifer Norway spruce (Picea abies).

ABSTRACT: Conifers are among the most radiosensitive plant species. Elevated, sublethal levels of ionising radiation result in reduced apical dominance in conifers, indicating a negative effect on shoot apical meristems (SAMs). The SAMs, harbouring the pluripotent stem cells, generate all the cells of the shoot, enabling growth and reproduction. However, knowledge on the effects of ionising radiation on such stem cells is scarce, but important for risk assessment and radioprotection of plants in contaminated ecosystems. Here, we assessed the sensitivity of in vitro-grown stem cells of Norway spruce to 144 h of gamma irradiation at 1-100 mGy h^-1, using such cells as a model for molecular toxicity of gamma radiation in conifers. Although there were no visible effects of the gamma irradiatio

SUBMITTER: Bhattacharjee P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12443939 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature