Abstract
Anatomical studies on the effects of heavy metals on the morphogenesis of mulberry roots were carried out, using malformed roots induced by heavy metals. Cadmium-induced imbalances in the growth of root tissue were observed, especially inhibition of cell division in the cortex, shrinkage of stelar cells by extraordinary expansion of cortical cells, cell crushing and malformations of the nuclei. Copper mainly induced histogenetic disorders of the root apex, chimeralization of the tissues, imbalance of cell growth within and between tissues, separation of the tissues from each other and condensation of nuclear matter by collapse of the membrane system. Zinc affected scarcely root morphogenesis and induced only local swelling of the cortex.
