EFFECTS OF Cd2+ ON ROOT GROWTH AND CELL DIVISION OF ALLIUM CEPA
镉对洋葱根生长和细胞分裂的影响

The effects of cadmium chloride solution of different concentrations on root growth, cell division and chromosomal morphology of Allium cepa were studied. The results showed the rate of root growth decreased successively with increasing Cd2+ concentration; the speed of the root growth per time unit also decreased successively or stopped with increasing treatment duration; the mitotic index decreased progressively with increasing Cd2+ concentration and treatment duration; the different concentrations of Cd2+ treatments could induce chromosomal aberration, after recovery culture the bulbs of onion in all treatments could grow and the chromosomal aberration decreased. The possible mechanism on poisoning of Cd2+ to root meristem cells of Allium cepa was also briefly discussed.