Plastics, which were developed in the 19th century, have become a major environmental
problem today, as their waste permanently pollutes the environment. One particular
problem is microplastics (MP), small plastic particles that are formed when larger parts
decompose and are more biologically accessible. MP occurs in both terrestrial and
aquatic environments and affects organisms, including terrestrial isopods of the species
Porcellio scaber, which were the subject of this study. The aim of the MSc thesis was
to use proteomics to investigate potential changes in the hemolymph when the model
organism is exposed to MP. The response to different types and concentrations of MP
on protein expression in the hemolymph of the isopod P. scaber was observed. It was
found that exposure to MP leads to changes in protein expression, with higher
concentrations of MP leading to more pronounced changes. The study showed that
conventional and biodegradable plastics cause similar changes in the hemolymph
proteome, disproving the hypothesis that biodegradable plastics would have a lesser
effect. The observed changes in protein expression indicate a stress response of the
organisms to the presence of MP, including activation of the immune system and
changes in metabolism. The study confirms that MP is a serious environmental factor
affecting physiological processes in organisms and emphasises the need for further
research of its effects.
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