[Natural nucleotide polymorphism of the Srlk gene that determines salt stress tolerance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L)].

Based on legume genome syntheny, the nucleotide sequence of Srlk gene, key role of which in response to salt stress was demonstrated for the model species Medicago truncatula, was identified in the major forage and siderate crop alfalfa (Medicago sativa). In twelve alfalfa samples originating from regions with contrasting growing conditions, 19 SNPs were revealed in the Srlk gene. For two nonsynonymous SNPs, molecular markers were designed that could be further used to analyze the association between Srlk gene nucleotide polymorphism and the variability in salt stress tolerance among alfalfa cultivars.

[Multilocus genotyping of polymorphous STR-loci of chromosomal DNA in individual cells: technical difficulties].

This study was designed to estimate the effectiveness of special technical procedures for the enhancement of sensitivity of multiplex analysis of DNA, such as the use of low-plexity PCR systems and the whole genome preamplification technology, and the possibility of their application for the purpose of forensic medical genotyping of polymorphous STR-loci of chromosomal DNA in individual cells. The authors refused to use the imitation model (equivalent DNA dilutions) for the sake of obtaining the maximally informative data and chose to work with real preparations of solitary buccal epithelial cells isolated by the laser microdissection technique. It was shown that neither the use of the low-plexity multilocus PCR systems nor the whole genome pre-amplification technology makes possible reliable genotyping of STR-loci of chromosomal DNA in individual cells.

[Radioecological studies of freshwater mollusks in the Chernobyl accident exclusion zone].

Species-specificity and dynamics of 90Sr, 137Cs and some transuranic elements accumulation in bivalve and gastropod freshwater molluscs of the Chernobyl exclusion zone during 1997-2008 was analyzed. The results of radiation dose and chromosome aberration rate estimation and the analysis of hemolymph composition of freshwater snail (Lymnaea stagnalis L.) was produced.

[Radioecological problems of aquatic ecosystems of the Chernobyl exclusion zone].

The results of radioactive contamination dynamics in the main components of aquatic ecosystems and the absorbed dose rate for hydrobionts within the Chernobyl accident exclusion zone was analysed. Some cytogenetical and haematological effects of long-term irradiation on aquatic organisms as well as damage of higher aquatic plants by parasitic fungi and gall-producing arthropods were considered.