Genetic variability and changes of elemental concentrations in cells of Tetrix tenuicornis (orthoptera: tetrigidae) from polluted and unpolluted areas.

Genetic variability between populations of the orthopteran insect Tetrix tenuicornis, collected from six locations in Poland, was assayed by using the random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) method. The results show that insects in a population from metal polluted areas in Bolesław have reduced genetic variability in contrast to five other populations located in unpolluted areas. The insects from polluted sites also showed significant changes in elemental concentrations in nerve and muscle cells, measured by X-ray spectroscopy, when compared to insects of the same species collected from unpolluted sites.