Colchicine-Induced Chromosomal Aberrations and Mitotic Inhibition in Allium sativum var sativum Root Meristems

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a perennial flowering plant that develops from a bulb. Colchicine acts as a microtubule-destabilizing agent and is a plant metabolite. This study explores the effects of colchicine on mitosis and chromosomal behavior in Allium sativum var sativum (garlic) root apical meristem cells. Garlic cloves were treated with varying concentrations of colchicine (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) to observe the impact on mitotic inhibition and metaphase arrest. Root tips were processed and examined microscopically, revealing a range of chromosomal abnormalities. These included c-metaphase, anaphase bridges, vagrant and laggard chromosomes, chromosomal stickiness, and multinucleated cells. The frequency and severity of these abnormalities increased with higher colchicine concentrations. Observations also indicated the presence of polyploid cells, nuclear lesions, and distorted cell division stages. The study highlights the dose-dependent effects of colchicine in disrupting normal cell division processes in Allium sativum var sativum contributing to a deeper understanding of its role in cytogenetic research.