The effect of the biochemical adaptations in the Manchu alder (Duschecia fruticosa (Rupr)) to an elevated natural radiation background on the survivability of seedlings and on the radiosensitivity of its seeds

Seeds and sprouts of bushy alder existing for long under the condition of the enhances natural radiation background (ENRB; from 1.4 to 72.0 mCu/(kg.s)) have been examined to determine biochemical adaptations to permanent low-level irradiation. To achieve this goal a combined cytological and biochemical technique for the assessment of the activity of genome of the sprout root meristem in response to translation, replication and reparation has been applied. The activity of antioxidant systems has been studied. The data obtained allow us to reveal mechanisms of alder bush biochemical adaptations to various ENRB rates and their effect upon seeds radiosensitivity and sprouts survival. It is determined that the increase in sprout vitality and high radioresistance of seeds ripened under the conditions of low-level natural radiation is due to the content of low molecular antioxidants and activation of systems of genome reparation.