Ecotoxicological Effects of Formaldehyde on Root Tip Cells of Onion
甲醛对洋葱根尖细胞的遗传毒性效应

Using different concentrations (0.1%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 3%) of formaldehyde as a mutagenic substance to treat the onion root tips for 24 h, 36 h and 48 h, respectively. Then the phenomenon of its caryomitosis was observed by chromosome\|tabletting technique. The aim of this study is investigate the genotoxicity of formaldehyde and the feasibility of formaldehyde pollution. Additionally, effects of formaldehyde on the mitotic index and the chromosomal aberration in cells of onion root tips was studied. The results show that formaldehyde with all concentrations significantly decreased the chromosome index. Mitotic index was negatively correlated to formaldehyde concentration (R=-0.93), the regression equation was Y=-1.061X+7.034. Simultaneously, formaldehyde with all concentrations could induce various chromosome aberrations. It can be concluded that formaldehyde has cytotoxicity and inherent toxicity to the cells of onion root tip. Formaldehyde concentration : negatively related to mitotic index of root tip. Therefore, Mitotic index can be used as a reference for monitoring the formaldehyde content in the environment. Onions can be applied to formaldehyde pollution monitoring.