Determination of genotoxic effect of boron on Allium cepa root meristematic cells

Abstract

The effect of boron on the mitotic index of Allium cepa root meristematic cells were investigated. By using the growth inhibition test LD50 value was determined first and then different doses of varied concentrations of boron were introduced to onion tuber roots. Distilled water was used as control. Since Allium cepa cell cycle is 24 hours, application process was carried out at 12, 24 and 48 hours. Mitotic index and mitotic phase frequences were calculated separately for each dose introduced. The most observed abnormalities were c-metaphase, prometaphase and disturbed anaphase-telophases. In addition to these, anaphase bridge, poliploidy and late chromosome particules were also observed. In the interphase disturbed nuclei, micronucleus and binuclear cells were determined. The data were analysed by use of chi-square and student t-test. According to the results obtained the genotoxic effect of boron on the test organism was observed.