Abstract: By using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and with 18S rRNA as the internal standard gene, this paper studied the effects of copper (Cu) stress on the expression of DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, and MSH7) in Arabidopsis thaliana plantlets, and, in combining with the morphological and physiological indices of the plantlets, the sensitive biomarkers of Cu stress were selected. The results showed that under Cu stress (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg·L^-1) for 10 days, no significant changes were observed in the seed germination percentage, shoot fresh mass, and chlorophyll content, but the root length was obviously inhibited, and the shoot total soluble protein content and mismatch repair genes expression decreased with increasing concentration of Cu. An obvious dose-effect relationship existed between the Cu concentration and the above-mentioned indicators of A. thaliana plantlets. The results indicated that the change trend of the shoot total soluble protein content was similar to that of the mismatch repair genes expression, which were all sensitive to the Cu stress and could be served as the potential and useful biomarkers for the detection of genotoxic effects of Cu pollution on plants.

Key words: FvCB model, woody species, physiological and biochemical cha-racteristics, photosynthetic capacity., herbaceous species