Effects of UV-B radiation on the Patagonian Jaborosa magellanica Brisben.

Treatment of Jaborosa magellanica with artificial UV-B radiation caused changes in plant growth, plant chemistry and increase DNA polymorphisms. Spectrophotometric analysis showed that UV-B radiation decreases the chlorophylls content, and increases the amount of UV-B absorbing compounds (e.g., phenylpropanoids). Other UV-induced alterations include reduction in leaf area, alterations in plant architecture, and DNA damage. Using random primers and PCR amplification procedure, a high degree of polymorphism was detected when treated plants were compared to non-irradiated plants. These biochemical changes may be interpreted as plant response to UV-B radiation stress and as an indicator of DNA damage.