Pb2+ exposure induced microsatellite instability in Pisum sativum in a locus related with glutamine metabolism

► Microsatellites were used to assess Pb-induced genetic instability in pea. ► MSI was dependent on both Pb dose and organ (roots are more sensitive). ► The Pb-sensitive SSR is inserted in the glutamine synthetase locus. ► This is the first report showing Pb-induced mutagenesis in plants, using SSRs.