The investigation of physiological, anatomical and cytogenetic effectsof protective substance paraben in Allium cepa L.

In this study, toxicityinduced by Allium cepa L. test material of Methyl Paraben which is included in many products, especially cosmetic and cleaning products which we use frequently in our daily life, was investigated by using physiological, cytogenetic and anatomical parameters. Physiological parameters; germination percentage, root length and weight gain, cytogenetic parameters; by determining the micronucleus frequency, chromosomal abnormalities and mitotic index, anatomical parameters were investigated by microscopic examination of the sections taken from the root tips. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which are indicative of lipid peroxidation, have also been measured in root tip cells. A. cepa L. seeds were divided into four (4) groups, one (1) control and three (3) applications, for 72 hours, the seeds in the control group were treated with tap water and the seeds in the treatment group were treated with doses of 100, 250 and 500 mM of Methyl Paraben. At the end of the period, root tips were subjected to routine preparations, stained and made ready for microscopic examinations. Eventually, there was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in the germination percentage, root length, weight gain and mitotic index values of the Paraben application, although there was a statistically significant an increase (p<0.05) in the micronucleus and chromosomal abnormality numbers. In addition, Paraben administration has resulted in anatomical changes in the root cells of the flattened cell nucleus, necrosis, thickening of the cell walls of the cortex, nonspecific vascular tissue, cell deformation, and accumulation of certain substances in the cortex cells. On the other hand, Paraben administration showed an increase in the MDA levels of the stem cells depending on the dose. As a result, it has been shown that Paraben shows toxic effect at a certain dose level and A. cepa L. test material is a useful biological indicator in determining its effect. Keywords:Allium cepa L., anatomy, genotoxicity, MDA, methyl paraben, physiology