Species identification and/or classification from a single cell has an ultimate value for various purposes: genome analysis of precious specimens using only a minute fraction of the available sample or tracing alterations in the genome of somatic cells (e.g., differences between the genomes of the cells from the brain and heart).
Murchison meteorite accounts for the CM group (Fuchs et al. 1973) which typically shows traces of alteration by water-rich fluids on its parent body.
Thus, Se may act as an antitumoural agent although more studies are needed to investigate the actual role of antioxidants and their possible relationships with trace elements alterations in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (Bock et al, 1991; Gerber et al, 1996).
A larger, more recent cross-sectional observational study which focused on trace metal alterations in renal patients and possible associations with bone diseases [ 91] did not find a higher absolute bone magnesium content in these patients, though an increased magnesium-to-calcium ratio was found compared with controls.
Through proteomics it has been possible to establish that certain diseases can be traced from alterations of certain proteins in plasma [ 2].
Tracing microsatellite alterations in follow-up sera of patients with different cancer entities and investigating their clinical significance has previously been described in several studies [ 27, 28].
Alternatively, it is likely that owing to high turnover of meiotic activities, defective cells undergo rapid apoptosis leaving behind no trace of an alteration in the germline.
By examining more samples from each patient using array-CGH with a higher resolution, we should be able to draw a more detailed genetic tree and pedigree for multifocal urothelial tumours and trace the genetic alterations that accumulate during their development.
Although the mechanical properties of wood suffer quite early in the decay (Winandy and Morrell 1993), it is difficult to trace the chemical alterations related to the mechanical ones because they are too small to be detected with conventional and standardised wet-laboratory methods.
Temperature alteration and trace element addition are strategies known to effect digester performance and microbial communities under high ammonia stress.
