EFFECTS OF ALUMINUM-CHLORIDE ON THE NUCLEUS AND NUCLEOLUS IN ROOT-TIPCELLS OF HORDEUM-VULGARE

The cytotoxic effects of aluminum chloride at different concentrations (1 x 10(-4)-5 x 10(-2) M)on the nucleus and the nucleolus in root tip cells of Hordeum vulgare were investigated using the carbol fuchsin s taining method and the silver staining technique separately. Results s howed that aluminum chloride could induce nuclear aberrations comprisi ng elongated, irregular, ruptured and fractured nuclei and micronucleu s formation. After the treatment with aluminum, it was observed that t he nucleolar material was extruded from the nucleus into the cytoplasm . The nucleolar material in the cytoplasm was disintegrated, forming s ilver-stained particulate material, which occurred in both the inner r oot meristem cells and the root cap cells. The possible mechanism of t he aluminum toxicity on the nucleus and nucleolus is briefly discussed .