Detection of oxidative DNA damage in isolated marine bivalve hemocytes using the comet assay and formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (Fpg).

Organisms in polluted areas can be exposed to complex mixtures of chemicals; however, exposure to genotoxic contaminants can be particularly devastating. DNA damage can lead to necrosis, apoptosis, or heritable mutations, and therefore has the potential to impact populations as well as individuals. Single cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay) is a simple and sensitive technique used to examine DNA damage in single cells.