ISSN:
1432-0886
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary 1. The sensitivity pattern of the Vicia faba main root meristem against the radiomimetic compounds ethanol, myleran and nitrogen-mustard was found to be dependent on root length. In the case of ethanol sensitivity, measured by the percentage of metaphases with chromosome aberrations, it was similar in 2 and 4 cm roots. Further enlargement of roots up to 10 cm length caused a drastic decrease in the number of damaged cells. This decrease was not so striking and happened later when myleran and HN 2 were used. 2. No sensitivity differences between 2 cm long main and lateral roots were found when treated with myleran or HN 2. Contrary to this the lateral rootlets showed practically no aberrations after treatment with ethanol, the percentage of damaged cells in the main root meristem being 44%. 3. Results are discussed in relation to the question whether these sensitivity differences are real or only spurious, e.g. caused by permeation phenomena or alterations in duration of mitosis. It is concluded, that changes in the sensitivity pattern are true and probably caused by metabolic changes in the meristem cells, correlated with growth of the root, and upon which the three radiomimetic compounds reacted differently because of different modes of action.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00328675
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