Cyrogenetic effects of aqueous extract of Achillea teretifolia on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa L.

In this study, the effects of aqueous extract from aerial part of Achillea teretifolia on mytosis and chromosomes of Allium cepa root tip meristematic cells were investigated. In the pre experiment, 50 g/L aqueus concentration was determined as EC50. Root tip cells of Allium cepa were subjected to different concentratinos of Achillea teretifolia aqueus extract (25, 50 and 100 g/L) and MMS was used as positive control. Distilled water was also used as negative control. Since Allium cepa cell cycle is 24 hours, the application process was carried out as 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h.Mitotic index and mitotic phase frequencies were calculated separately for each dose introduced. The data obtained from the study was subjected to statistical analyses by using SPSS 15.0 package program and Duncan test was performed in the comparisons. The differences in the mitotic index were observed to be increasing in all the doses and the applications when compared to the control. The rates of increment were found to be statistically meaningful. The most observed abnormalities were: remained chromosome, stickness and disturbed anaphase-telophases. In addition to these, c-metaphase, prometaphase, anaphase bridge and poliploidy were also observed. In the interphase, binuclear cells were also observed.