Studies of the herbicide paraquat. I. Effects on the cell cycle and DNA synthesis in Vicia faba

Can J Genet Cytol. 1976 Mar;18(1):93-9. doi: 10.1139/g76-013.

Abstract

Vicia faba root tips were exposed to concentrations of paraquat ranging from 10-3M to 10-6M. There was a statistically significant inhibition in 3H-thymidine incorporation, and, therefore, presumably of DNA synthesis by all concentrations of paraquat studied. All concentrations of paraquat also had a statistically significant effect on the percentage of cells in division at various hours following paraquat treatment. At 10-3M and 10-4M paraquat there was an almost total inhibition in the number of cells moving from the S period and through the G2 period and into division. Cells treated with 10-6M paraquat, however, did move through the G2 period and into division. A concentration of 10-4M paraquat did not result in an increase in chromosome aberrations.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Chromosomes / drug effects
  • DNA / biosynthesis*
  • Paraquat / pharmacology*
  • Plant Cells
  • Plants / drug effects*
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Thymidine / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA
  • Paraquat
  • Thymidine