Biopolymers and cell. 2001; 17 (1): 5 - 19

Heavy metals genetic activity in eukaryotic cells

L. L. Macewicz, L. L. Lukash

The article deals with various aspects of some heavy metals damage activity (nickel, chromium, inorganic mercury and lead). Special attention is paid to the issues, connected with the DNA-damaging activity of the mentioned metals (mutagenicity of their ions in different test-systems, damage mechanism, mechanism of ceil and organism protection from heavy metals mutagenicity), but their toxic activity, biochemical activity, ecological aspects are also briefly discussed.