• This analysis helps us understand the changes in gene expression due to metal exposure using realtime PCR

• The RNA is purified using the Hybrid- R kit

• The RNA is then used to synthesise cDNA by reverse transcription

• The cDNA can be then used in the real time PCR (isoform 10 and 20)

Metallothioneins are proteins that bind to trace metals present in the cell. An increase in the metallothionein gene induction exhibits an increase in the presence of trace metals

Only results for the MT 10 isoform has been exhibited as the MT 20 isoform was not significantly expressed in any of the sites. The high basal expression of MT 10 can be attributed to the excessive presence of Cu and Zn can cause an increase in (Dondero 2005), but further chemical analysis of the seawater must be done.