Genomic Sensitivity of Small Mammals - A Suitable Test System in the Genetic Monitoring

In recent decades, our attention is drawn to human-induced environmental changes and their potential threat to life on Earth through a growing number of mutagens and their effects on the biota. Genetic damage caused by these factors often have a durable effect that is manifested in later generations. The establishment of induced genetic damage in plants, animals and men is one of the most important issues in mutagenesis studies. With each passing year, the environment under anthropogenic influence is loaded with various toxicants. They affect living organisms directly, i.e. on the implementation of individual development, reducing the vitality of the individual, and hence the population and the species as a whole. Not less important, although more discreetly, their impact remains on the inherited structures of the organisms. It is defined as mutagenic in the broadest sense.