Mercury in aquatic organisms can affect gene expression

Well known is the heavy metal Mercury's bioaccumulation in fishes and crabs. But a new study by University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, says that Mercury can affect the gene expression in algae found in aquatic ecosystems.

The researchers studied the set of all RNA molecules that controls gene expression using molecular biology tools in a species of algae known as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The study says:

"...mercury disrupted the metabolism of algae, with numerous genes being deregulated, regardless
of whether the concentrations were comparable with those set by European environmental standards."

For more information, click here to read the study details.