Cytotoxicity Of Some Nano-Pollutants On Allium Cepa Plant

Abstract

The effects of nano-metals and nano-polyethylene on Allium cepa root cells were studied at different concentrations (1, 5, 10) mg/L after a 5-day treatment period. The genotoxicity study included cellular parameters, including the number and type of chromosomal aberrations, mitotic index, and gene expression of the CDC2 gene. The results of the study showed a significant inhibition of root growth exposed to the nano-suspensions, with the highest inhibition occurring at a concentration of 10 mg/L for all nano-suspensions. The effect was clearly higher on the mitotic index, as the mitotic index decreased with increasing nanosuspension concentration. The greatest effect was at a concentration of 10 mg/L, with an increase in the number and type of chromosomal aberrations, especially sticky chromosomes, which are a sign of high toxicity. All concentrations led to a significant decrease in the number of dividing cells; A concentration of 10 mg/L of nanometals resulted in a reduction in the mitotic index to less than 50% compared to the control group, indicating a sublethal toxic effect. The effect of nanometals and nanopolyethylene was found to significantly inhibit root growth as the concentration increased.Although the cell division index decreased, there was an increase in the expression of the CDC2 gene during this time.  This increase could be caused by a number of factors, such as the buildup of cells in the interphase, where DNA damage causes cells to stop in the G2 phase, lowering the mitotic index.