International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 66-73 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 71 methylation, and acetylation, which can alter the function and stability of proteins. Nuclear pollution may lead to changes in the synthesis and modification of specific proteins, thereby affecting protein function. 2.3 Impact of nuclear pollution on adaptation and resistance mechanisms in marine organisms The adaptation and resistance mechanisms of marine organisms to nuclear pollution have a significant impact. This impact is realized through various complex molecular mechanisms, covering multiple levels such as the regulation of gene expression, DNA repair, antioxidant defense, protein modification, and cell survival strategies. DNA damage triggered by nuclear pollution is a crucial starting point. Subsequently, oxidative stress induced by nuclear pollution is a common physiological response. Moreover, nuclear pollution may alter the synthesis and modification of specific proteins, regulate changes in cell division and proliferation, and some marine organisms eliminate damaged cells by promoting apoptosis and autophagy to prevent the continued existence of damaged cells (Li et al., 2023). Marine organisms exposed to nuclear pollution for an extended period may accumulate beneficial genetic variations through genetic adaptation. These adaptive genotypes can enhance the organism's resistance, enabling it to better adapt to the environment affected by nuclear pollution. The various complex adaptation and resistance mechanisms triggered by nuclear pollution involve multiple biological aspects such as gene expression regulation, antioxidant defense, protein modification, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and autophagy, among other biological levels. These mechanisms enable marine organisms to survive in environments affected by nuclear pollution, mitigate damage, and maintain their viability. However, detailed research on these mechanisms is still ongoing. Studies on the physiological response of different types of marine organisms to nuclear pollution demonstrate diversity. Research indicates that bivalves such as oysters and clams exhibit strong resistance mechanisms to nuclear pollution. These organisms can reduce the uptake of radioactive isotopes by accumulating heavy metal ions, thereby minimizing the impact of nuclear pollution. Oysters in nuclear pollution environments show enhanced antioxidant defense systems to neutralize reactive oxygen species and alleviate oxidative stress. Some algae species demonstrate adaptability in nuclear pollution environments. For example, after the Fukushima nuclear accident, certain algae species exhibited increased growth rates and photosynthetic rates, considered adaptive responses to nuclear pollution, possibly associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by nuclear pollution. 3 Factors Influencing Nuclear Pollution Nuclear pollution is a complex issue influenced by a combination of various factors, categorized into natural factors, human factors, and ecosystem factors. Together, these factors shape the complexity and diversity of nuclear pollution.In terms of natural factors, geological features significantly impact the pathways of nuclear pollution spread. Geological characteristics such as groundwater levels, soil types, and underground flow paths determine the distribution of radioactive isotopes in groundwater and soil. Weather and meteorological conditions, including wind direction, wind speed, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure, directly influence the dispersion pathways and speed of nuclear pollutants in the atmosphere (Gu, 2021) (Figure 4). Additionally, natural Earth radiation interacts with nuclear pollution, contributing to increased environmental nuclear radiation. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of nuclear pollution affected by wind direction
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