Chromosomal and Nuclear Alterations in the Root Tip Cells of Vicia faba Induced by Sodium Chloride.

  Despite the well-known toxic effect of chloride sodium (NaCl), only few studies analyze its genotoxic effect on crops. Micronucleus assay is an efficient tool for the measure of chromosomal DNA damages. Based on this test, the effects of salt on micronucleus induction, and on chromosome and nucleus changes, were investigated in Vicia faba root tips treated with NaCl (electrical conductivity = 25 dS/m) during 24 hours. V. faba meristematic cells showed a significant increase in the number of micronuclei compared with the control. Micronucleus size varied from small to large and appeared at different stages of mitosis. Moreover, different chromosomal aberrations like breaks, bridges, rings, vagrant, and lagging chromosomes, were observed in the metaphase, the anaphase, and the telophase. In addition, nuclear alterations in the interphase were characterized by the presence of binucleated cells, strap nuclei with lesions, hyperchromasia, buds, and nuclei with irregular shapes and lesions.