Effects of Copper on Root Growth, Cell Division, and Nucleolus of Zea Mays

Abstract

The effects of different concentrations (10-5 - 10-2 M) of copper sulfate on root growth, cell division and nucleoli in root tip cells of Zea mays L. were investigated. 10-5 M Cu stimulated root growth, but at higher concentrations (10-4 - 10-2 M) inhibited it. Cu had toxic effects on chromosomal morphology: c-mitosis, anaphase bridges, and chromosome stickiness were induced. Some nuclei had irregular shape and particles extruded from nucleoli to nuclei and finally from the nuclei into the cytoplasm.