Effects of L-Threitol-1,4-Bismethanesulfonate on Chromosomes

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Abstract
The action of 1-threitol-1,4-bismethanesulfonate was studied in three plant species: Vicia faba, Hordeum sativum, Nigella damascena. The following effects were observed: nuclear deformations, centromere disturbances, polyploid cells and all kinds of chromosome aberrations. The dose-effect relationship was worked out. Vicia faba was more sensitive than the two other species. Presoaking the seeds increased the sensitivity. The distribution of aberrations within the genomes was not at random but differed considerably from the distribution so far obtained with other nucleotoxic substances. A delayed effect during the second mitotic cycle was demonstrated. Arguments are developed for a slow transformation of the substance into an active compound in vivo.