Investigation of the cytogenetic, anatomic and physiological changes in Allium cepa induced by tartrazine

In this study physiologic, anatomic and cytogenetic effects of tartrazine as food additives on Allium cepa L. was investigated. Allium cepa bulbs were used as test materials. Germination percentage, root lenght, weight gain were investigated as physiological parameters; chromosome aberrations, micronucleus (MN), mitotic index (MI) were investigated as cytogenetic parameters, anatomical damages were investigated as anatomical paramater. Allium cepa bulbs in treatment groups were treated with 50, 100 and 200 ppm Tartrazine and the results were evaluated by ststically analysis. As results, significant changes were observed in germination percentage, roort lenght, weight gain, chromosome aberrations, micronucleus frequency and root anatomy. A decrease in germination percentage, root lenght, weight gain, mitotic index and an increase in chromosome aberrations, micronucleus frequency and anatomical aberration were observed in Tratrazine treated gropus with dose-dependent manner. From the microscobic examinations, it was determined that the tartrazine induced the chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa root cells such as fragment, sticky chromosome, chromosome bridge, unequal distribution of chromatine, c-mitosis. And also tartrazine treatment caused anatomical changes such as flatted form of cell nucleus, accumulation of substances in cortex, cell deformation, unclear vascular tissue, necrosis and thickening in cell wall.