Ciliated protozoa are single-celled, eukaryotic organisms, which constitutes an essential component of every aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Ciliates show many desirable characteristics as test organisms for the design of convenient and cost effective assays, from the biomarker to the population-community level, to be used for (eco)toxicological screening. Thus, this report aim to provide a brief overview of the advantages offered by the use of protozoan ciliates, especially those belonging to the genus Tetrahymena in toxicological experimentation, as well as present the author’ experience in the development of “prognostic” assays (i.e. able to detect sub-lethal toxicant effects), based on the exploitation of stress gene activation responses (Tetrahymena biosensor assay).
Protozoan ciliates as valuable, alternative (non-animal) model for (eco)toxicological screening: the Tetrahymena biosensors assay
LA TERZA, Antonietta
2010-01-01
Abstract
Ciliated protozoa are single-celled, eukaryotic organisms, which constitutes an essential component of every aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Ciliates show many desirable characteristics as test organisms for the design of convenient and cost effective assays, from the biomarker to the population-community level, to be used for (eco)toxicological screening. Thus, this report aim to provide a brief overview of the advantages offered by the use of protozoan ciliates, especially those belonging to the genus Tetrahymena in toxicological experimentation, as well as present the author’ experience in the development of “prognostic” assays (i.e. able to detect sub-lethal toxicant effects), based on the exploitation of stress gene activation responses (Tetrahymena biosensor assay).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
