RAPD-PCR as a rapid approach for the evaluation of genotoxin-induced damage to bacterial DNA

RAPD PCR is a sensitive and reliable approach useful for the detection of DNA lesions due to environmental contaminants. In addition, this method is cost-effective, and can be performed in any laboratory having a DNA thermocycler and gel electrophoresis system. Here, we describe its application to identify genotoxin-induced DNA damage in foodborne bacteria. DNA alterations are detected through the analysis of electrophoresis profiles with the appearance or disappearance of new bands as compared to the non-mutated control. The described RAPD PCR procedure takes 6 h for completion. It uses small amounts of DNA and can reveal even low mutation rates.