Effects of DMSO and Propham on Mitosis in Root Tips of \u3cem\u3eSecale cereale\u3c/em\u3e

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and propham (isopropyl carbanilate) were investigated to determine their effect singly and in combination on mitoses in rye (Secale cereale) root tip cells. Root tips were prepared for observation by the paraffin and aceto-carmine squash methods. Results showed DMSO caused the following abnormalities: arrested metaphases, multipolar spindles, multinucleate cells, stickiness, shortened chromosomes, and mitotic inhibition. Cells from propham treated root tips exhibited the same abnormalities as those treated with DMSO. In addition, propham treatments resulted in polyploid cells and chromosome granulation. In combination, DMSO and propham caused all the abnormalities mentioned above except polyploidy. In the combination abnormalities were more frequent and occurred more rapidly