Chromosome Fragmentation inAllium CepaInduced by Seed Extracts ofPhaseolus Vulgaris

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Abstract
The authors examined the influence of aqueous extracts of Phaseolus vulgaris on the root tip mitoses in Allium Cepa. Undiluted extracts of seeds, stored one year, induced an almost complete inhibition of mitotic activity after an 8 hrs'. treatment. After 60 hrs. recovery in tap water, mitotic activity was regained, but the new mitoses showed various chromosome aberrations, mainly fragmentations, The dilutions 1:2 and 1:4 induced similar effects in a lesser degree. Similar extracts of a variety of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, which had been stored for 5 to 6 years exerted an even stronger activity. The undiluted extract killed the roots after an 8 hrs'. treatment, while the dilution 1:2 inhibited mitosis completely after 8 hrs.; after 60 hrs. recovery in tap water 21,3% abnormal anaphases could be counted. The authors discuss the possible implications of their findings for an explanation of the origin of spontaneous chromosome aberrations in the primary roots of aged seeds.