Zeba Khan - Induced Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Plants

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Genotoxicity refers to the property of chemical agents to induce changes in the genetic information within a cell causing changes which may result in mutations. Genotoxicity is similar to mutagenicity except that genotoxic effects are not necessarily always associated with mutations. Oxidative stress is a complex chemical and physiological phenomenon that accompanies virtually all biotic and abiotic stresses in higher plants and develops as a result of overproduction and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

The book Induced Genotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Plants is intended to deliver information on genotoxicity induced by a wide spectrum of genotoxic agents and relative oxidative damage in plants with special reference to the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Genotoxicity is the ability of different agents to cause damage to genetic material. However, the damage induced in the genetic material includes not only DNA, but also the cellular components related to the functionality and behavior of chromosomes within the cell. For example, proteins involved in the repair, condensation, and decondensation of DNA in the chromosomes, or other structures, such as the mitotic spindle, responsible for distribution of the chromosomes during cell division. Oxidative stress is a complex chemical and physiological phenomenon that accompanies virtually all biotic and abiotic stresses in higher plants and develops as a result of overproduction and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Stresses induced by various agents may lead to over production of ROS resulting in progressive oxidative damage and ultimately cell death. Despite their destructive activity, they are well-described as second messengers in a variety of cellular processes, due to tolerance to various environmental stresses. Whether ROS would serve as a signaling molecule or could cause oxidative damage to the tissues depends on the delicate equilibrium between ROS production, and their scavenging. Different genotoxic agents, that enter the ecosystem either naturally or through anthropogenic events, tend to impose serious threats on its biotic components specially the sedentary flora. Plants are exposed to many stress factors including chemical compounds and radiation affecting their seed germination, seedling growth, and floral and fruit development. These stress factors can adversely affect the quality and quantity of the product leading to morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and molecular damage to plants.

In this book, we have chapters that emphasize on the role of different genotoxins and stress induced by them. The chapters are contributed by experienced, highly dignified, and internationally acclaimed scientists, researchers, and academicians around the world. The chapters are designed in such a way that it clarifies the concepts of the specified themes. The book is aimed at several audiences, from breeders to agronomists, from students to researchers, from teachers to academicians working in the fields of agriculture, plant science, environmental biology, and biotechnology. Each group of reader will have different technical backgrounds and expertise. Therefore, the chapters are written on three levels, namely introduction, main text supported by relevant figures and tables, and bibliography.