Effect of arsenic and manganese on root growth and cell division in root tip cells of green gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Heavy metals are the metals having a density at least five times more than that of water. They are normally regarded as ones having an atomic number of 22-92.The effects of different concentration (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/l) of arsenic and manganese on germination, root growth and cell division in root tips of green gram (Vigna radiata.L) were studied. The inhibition of germination and root growth was noticed at higher concentrations of Arsenic and manganese. Arsenic had more toxic effect than manganese on the root tip cells of greengram during mitosis. Chromosome stickness implied the high toxicity of arsenic and manganese. The results also indicated that the germination percentage and root length was gradually decreased with the increasing concentration of both heavy metals.