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Research Paper | Ecology | Egypt | Volume 3 Issue 6, June 2014

Study of Chromosomal and DNA Damage Baseline Level in Two Subspecies of Chamaeleo Chamaeleon in Egypt Using Micronucleus and Comet Assays

Hanan R.H Mohamad | Mohamed A. M. Kadry ^[2]

Abstract: As any alteration in the genetic material of wild organisms pose significant threats to the persistence of wild animal populations affecting individuals; populations; genetic diversity and ultimately ecosystem biodiversity. Thus variations in chromosomal and DNA damage baseline levels in two subspecies of Chamaeleo chamaeleon; C. chamaeleon chamaeleon inhabiting El-Dabaa (Marsa Matrouh) and C. chamaeleon musae inhabiting El-Arish (North Sinai) of Egypt was studied in our study using micronucleus and comet assay. Despite slight variations in tail moment and %tail DNA in blood; both of micronuclei and DNA damage levels was homogeneous in the two studied subspecies in blood and liver cells. We concluded that both of chromosomal and DNA damage baseline level were identical in both Chamaeleo chamaeleon subspecies; C. c. chamaeleon and C. c. musae confirming the safety of their habitat. Molecular studies both on DNA and protein levels will be done to study the differences in adaptations of these two subspecies to their habitats.

Keywords: chromosomal damage, DNA damage, comet assay, micronucleus assay and chamaeleonidae

Edition: Volume 3 Issue 6, June 2014,

Pages: 2642 - 2644