Effects of Aluminium (Al3+) on the Root Meristem Cells of Allium cepa L. and Allium sativum L.

Authors: Fisün KAYMAK

Abstract: The effects of different concentrations of Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) on root growth, cell division and on nucleoli in root tip cells of Allium cepa L. and Allium sativum L. were studied. 10-2 M and 10-4 M concentrations of AlCl3 inhibited root growth and caused a decrease in mitotic index. At 10-2 M concentration of AlCl3, the effect was mainly observed on nucleoli in root tip cells. 10-4 M concentration of AlCl3 caused abnormalities of chromosomes during mitotic cell division. The effects of 10-6 M concentration of AlCl3 were very close to the control. As a result of the present study, it was observed that Al3+ affects root growth, cell division and nucleoli of root meristem cells of Allium cepa L. and Allium sativum L.

Keywords: AlCl3, nucleolus, mitotic cell division, plant