Mitotic aberrations induced by orange red (a food additive dye) as a potential genotoxicant on root tip cells of onion (Allium cepa L.).
The dye orange red is an amalgamation of two primary food colourants like caramoisine and sunset yellow. It is used to enhance the market adaptability and commercialization of food items by increasing consumer’s attraction. Assuming the potential genotoxicity of the dye, this study was carried out on the root tip cells of onion (Allium cepa L.) through assessment of mitotic aberrations (MA) by conventional aceto-carmine staining. Some of the common MA observed was gradual decondensation or little condensation of chromosomal arms in abnormal metaphases and anaphases. These also included unequal cytokinesis and karyokinesis and formation of bi-nucleated cells. Those aberrations were supposed to be due to genotoxic assault of the dye on chromosomal condensation mechanism affecting some structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins like condensins and/or cohesins resulting in very unusual long arms or affecting the spindle fiber formation causing disoriented mitosis (DOM). The frequencies of MA showed good correlation with the concentration of dye.