Genotoxicity of Bisphenol A on Root Meristem Cells of Allium cepa: A Cytogenetic Approach

The present study was carried out to evaluate the genotoxic effect of a plasticizer, Bisphenol A (BPA). Cytogenetic damaging effect of BPA was examined through chromosomal aberrations (CA) on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. In order to identify the genotoxicity effect, root meristem cells were exposed to BPA at 0.005%, 0.010%, 0.015% and 0.020% for five days. Cells in the interphase and undergoing division were examined to assess the presence of Chromosomal Aberration (CA), Mitotic Index (MI), Mitotic Aberration (MA) and Micronucleus (MN) formation. At a lower concentration, i.e. 0.005% BPA induce mutagenetic alteration in the roots of A. cepa. At a higher concentration, i.e., 0.020% BPA inhibits root growth and Mitotic Index (MI). These findings are of concern, since cell damage may be transmitted to subsequent generation, possibly affecting the organism as a whole. If the damage results in cell death, the development of the organism may be affected which could lead to its death. The results are discussed in the paper.