Cytogenetic Effect of Food Preservatives Sodium Metabisulphite on Allium Cepa L.

Abstract

This study looked at the cytogenetic effects of the food preservative sodium metabisulphite on Allium cepa L. The parameters utilized to rate the various dosages of the drugs examined for this purpose were chromosomal abnormalities and Mitotic Index. The Mitotic Index (MI) decreased as sodium metabisulphite concentrations increased. Among the cytological anomalies identified were anaphase bridges, micronuclei, vagrant chromosomes, chromatid gaps, shattered chromosomes, and ring chromosomes.With increasing concentrations of dietary preservatives, the percentage of chromosomal abnormalities at mitosis rose. According to the findings of this study, these compounds caused permanent cytogenetic effects at certain dose levels.