CYTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF METAL COMPLEX DYE IN THE ROOT TIP CELLS OF ALLIUM CEPA

摘要

This investigation was carried out to study the cytological effects of the metal complex dye C I Acid Violet 78 on Allium cepa with respect to the mitotic index and chromosome aberrations. A: cepa roots were treated with different concentrations of the dye (50, 100, 250 & 500 ppm) for different durations (6. 12 & 24 h). The dye inhibited cell division and a strong dosage effect was obvious from a decline in the mitotic index (4.4%) with the increase in dye concentration (500 ppm) and duration (24 h) of treatment. The dye induccil a wide range of mitotic abnormalities which included stickiness of chromosomes, bridges, laggards, fragments, binucleate cells and vacuolated nuclei. The results obtained clearly indicate that the metal complex dye tested is a potential clastogenic and mitotoxic agent.