Genetics Research Group

The researchers in this grup perform studies regarding population genetics and cytogenetics.

Population genetics laboratory, is equipped with modern genetics equipments and is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Selçuk YURTSEVER. The studies involve Cercopid spittlebugs (Cercopidae), Drosophila and Coccinellid (Coccinellidae) ladybirds. Population genetics studies involve joined works with Lisbon University, Biology Department in Portugal. In these studies, phylogenetics of different Philaenus populations in Europe and World are investigated by using mtDNA barcode. Besides, genetic basis of the dorsal colour/pattern polymorhism in several Cercopid species is another aspect regarding these insects.  On the other hand, the contents of the foam produced by the nymphs of spittlebugs has involved in the recent joined studies with Chemistry Department. Accordingly, there is a tend that certain chemicals particicularly some heavy metals found in the spittle may be used as indicator for changing environments where the spittlebugs live. Moreover, contents of the foam may have protective effect against microbial parasites and predators. Drosophila investigations involve genotoxic studies regarding the DNA damage caused by some food attidives particularly food colourings. The COMET and SMART tests are used to show mutagenic effects of these additives. Ladybird (Coccinellidae) investigations involve colour/pattern polymorphism in different species ocurring in different populations in Turkey.

Karyotype analysis from human peripheral blood and mice bone marrow can be made in coordinator of Assos. Prof. Dr. Fulya Dilek GOKALP in the cytogenetic research laboratory. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity studies are also conducted in the laboratory. Toxicity studies include test evaluations of effects of toxic substances (pesticides, heavy metals, etc.) on cell growth rates and cell damage. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity determination are done by using following methods;   chromosome aberration test (Lab. animals, leukocyte culture, plant stem cells, etc.), testing the determination of mitotic and meiotic abnormalities (plant tissue), micronucleus test (animal and plant tissue), sister chromatid exchange, FISH method, Comet assay (human leukocyte cells, fish tissue cells , etc. in insect larvae.), MTT assay, apoptosis. In addition, obtaining plant tissue extracts and investigating their antiproliferative activities on cancer tissue lines are among other research topics. Cancer tissue lines studies are carried out in the tissue culture laboratory.