INFLUENCE OF SODIUM METABISULPHITE (E 223) ON MITOTIC DIVISION IN CALENDULA OFFICINALIS L.s

This paper presents the cytogenetic effects induced by sodium metabisulphite (E 223) (a food additive used as preservative) in meristematic cells of Calendula officinalis L. root tips. The treatment has determined the lessening of the mitotic index (comparative with the control variant), until mitotic division total inhibition, as well as a growth frequency of division aberration in anaphase and telophase.