Effects of low level tributyltin chloride on DNA in Euglena gracilis Z and SMZ strains

Abstract

Tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) has been widely used as marine anti-fouling and caused serious toxicity to organisms. In this study, effects of low concentration TBTCl exposure to Euglena gracilis Z and SMZ, particularly, on cell growth and DNA strand were examined. The inhibition of cell growth for 3 days exposure to TBTCl was observed dose dependently from 1 to 4 μM in both the strains. Comet assay showed DNA strand breaks at lμM TBTCl exposure in both the strains. These results suggest that micro-molar TBTCl exposure inhibited cell growth and induced DNA breaks to E. gracilis Z and SMZ.