ISSN:
1573-0832
Keywords:
Aflatoxin B1
;
Embryo
;
Mature
;
Ultrastructure
;
Zea mays L.
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Mature maize (Zea mays L.) embryos were exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 25 µg/ml for 9 days. With increasing toxin concentration above 2 µg/ml, primary root elongation of germinated embryos was progressively inhibited, to reach a maximum value of 81% at 25 µ/ml toxin. An ultrastructural investigation of the subcellular alterations induced following toxin exposure provided evidence of deteriorative changes in several compartments of the plant cell. Alteration in membrane integrity (e.g., the tonoplast, plasmalemma and inner mitochondrial membrane) was a frequent feature of many cells. Apparent fusion of vacuoles, incorporation of cytoplasmic components into vacuoles and intravacuolar membrane whorls might be interpreted as deteriorative alterations. The results are discussed in the light of ultrastructural findings for other plant systems exposed to similar AFB1 concentrations, as well as findings for animal systems.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01138481
