Chromosomal staining comparison of plant cells with black glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Lac (Laccifer lacca Kerr)

Abstract

The study on chromosomal staining comparison of plant cells with natural dyes was carried out to compromise the use of expensive dyes. Dyes from black glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Lac (Laccifer lacca Kerr) were extracted using acetic acid, ethanol, butanol and hexane with the concentration levels of 30%, 45% and 60%, respectively. The pH was then adjusted from 1 to 7, the natural extracted dyes were used to stain the chromosomes of spider lily (Hymenocallis littoralis Salisb.) root cells, which were ongoing mitotic cell division, using the squash technique. The results showed that the natural extract dyes were capable of chromosome staining and cell division observing. Natural dyes which showed well-stained chromosome included 45% acetic acid-extracted black glutinous rice dye (pH 1-3), 45% butanol-extracted black glutinous rice dye (pH 1-3) and 60% ethanol-extracted Lac dye (pH 1-3). We also concluded that all other extracts have no significant quality as chromosomal staining indication. © 2010 The Japan Mendal Society.