The Effects of Mercury Chloride on the Root Tip Cells of Allium cepa

Authors: Güleray AĞAR, Handan UYSAL

Abstract: The cytogenetic effects of mercury chloride on root tip of Allium cepa. at different concentrations. were studied. The roots were treated with 0.5. 1.0 and 5.0 mg of the mercury chloride for 6 and 24 hours and then allowed to recover for 12. 24 and 48 hours. It was found that. mercury chloride has a marked mitodepressive action on mitosis. Mitotic abnormalities were increased and mitotic index were decreased depending on the concentration of mercury chloride.

Keywords: Mercury chloride, Allium cepa, mitotic cell division, chromosomal aberrations