Copper induced root growth inhibition of Allium cepa var. Agrogarum L. involves disturbances in cell division and DNA damage
Author
Summary, in English
Copper (Cu) is considered to be an indispensable microelement for plants. Excessive Cu, however, is toxic and disturbs several
processes in the plant. The present study addressed the effects of ionic Cu (2.0 mMand 8.0mM) on mitosis, the microtubule cytoskeleton,
and DNA in root tip cells of Allium cepa var. agrogarum L. to better understand Cu toxicity on plant root systems. The results indicated that Cu accumulated in roots and that root growth was inhibited dramatically in Cu treatment groups. Chromosomal aberrations (for example, C-mitosis, chromosome bridges, chromosome stickiness, and micronucleus) were observed, and the mitotic index decreased during Cu treatments at different concentrations. Microtubules were one of the target sites of Cu toxicity in root tip meristematic cells, and Cu exposure substantially impaired microtubule arrangements. The content of a-tubulin decreased following 36 h of exposure to 2.0mM or 8.0mM of Cu in comparison with the control group. Copper increased DNA damage and suppressed cell cycle progression. The above toxic effects became more serious with increasing Cu concentration and prolonged exposure time.
processes in the plant. The present study addressed the effects of ionic Cu (2.0 mMand 8.0mM) on mitosis, the microtubule cytoskeleton,
and DNA in root tip cells of Allium cepa var. agrogarum L. to better understand Cu toxicity on plant root systems. The results indicated that Cu accumulated in roots and that root growth was inhibited dramatically in Cu treatment groups. Chromosomal aberrations (for example, C-mitosis, chromosome bridges, chromosome stickiness, and micronucleus) were observed, and the mitotic index decreased during Cu treatments at different concentrations. Microtubules were one of the target sites of Cu toxicity in root tip meristematic cells, and Cu exposure substantially impaired microtubule arrangements. The content of a-tubulin decreased following 36 h of exposure to 2.0mM or 8.0mM of Cu in comparison with the control group. Copper increased DNA damage and suppressed cell cycle progression. The above toxic effects became more serious with increasing Cu concentration and prolonged exposure time.
Department/s
Publishing year
2015-04-21
Language
English
Pages
1045-1055
Publication/Series
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Volume
34
Issue
5
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Topic
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Botany
Keywords
- Copper
- Mitosis
- Microtubule
- DNA damage
- DNA syntyhesis
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0730-7268