ISSN:
1750-3841
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
: Microgel electrophoresis of single cells or nuclei (DNA comet assay) was investigated to identify irradiated spices. Ten spices treated with radiation doses in the range of 0 to 20 kGy were analyzed. After electrophoresis, radiation-damaged DNA appeared as a comet, whereas in non irradiated spices round or conical spots appeared. Shape, length, and intensity of comets were also dose-dependent. Detection was successful in poppy seeds, cardamom seeds, caraway seeds, and nigella seeds, but not in pomegranate seeds, ginger root, and juniper berries, where lysis was insufficient, and also not in black peppercorns, nutmeg seed, and rosemary leaves, where extraction of cells or nuclei failed. Nevertheless, for some irradiated foods the DNA comet assay is a rapid and inexpensive screening test.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb10625.x
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