Abstract
1. Cytological effect of EDTA was studied with root tips of Vicia faba immersed in 0.01M and 0.001M solution for 15 minutes, 45-minutes and 2 hours.
2. The tendency of pseudo-pairing of S1- or S2-type chromosomes was recognized at metaphase in both concentrations of EDTA of 15 minute treatment group.
3. Configurations of dispersive destruction of chromosomes and reconstructed half-chromatid interchange are recorded.
4. It was found that EDTA increases the frequency of anaphase aberrations such as sticky bridge, breakage at the nucleolus organizing region and chromosome lagging. However, the treatment of high concentration for 45 minutes and 2 hours could not increase the frequency of aberrations significantly.
5. The results obtained in the present experiment suggest that EDTA causes modification of ionic environment in cells, as well as direct impairment of structural continuity of chromosomes. The direct and indirect effects of EDTA on chromosome structure may not be necessarily alternative.
