Chromosomal abnormalities induced by heavy metals in Golpar (Heracleum persicum Desf. ex fisch)

Because of the increasing growth of pollutants in the environment, in order to determine the destructive effect of heavy metals on chromosomes, the root tips of the flowering plants are used. Golpar (Heracleum persicum Desf. Ex fisch) belonging to Apiaceae, has the nutrition values and medical importance. The aim of present study is reveal the comparative toxic impact of lead, copper and zinc on the mitotic cell of root tips of Golpar. So the root tips of H. persicum, were treated with graded concentrations (viz. 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) of lead, copper and zinc. This is the first report of heavy metals on Heracleum persicum. The mitotic index and total abnormality percentage were calculated based on achieved data. Data shows that heavy metals concentrations, significantly lead to the decrease mitotic index by prevented root tips cells entering cell division phases. Mitotic abnormalities in the root tips cells have shown a concentration-dependent increase at different concentration in all treated sets. Mitotic abnormalities include sticky chromosome, micronucleus, laggard chromosome, bridge and precocious movement. The results of the present investigation indicated that lead, copper and zinc have genotoxic effects especially at higher concentrations. The ability of genotoxicity in the three studied elements is reduced from lead to copper and zinc, respectively. Due to the nutritional and medicinal importance of Golpar, the result of this study should be considered as a warning for the toxic effects of environmental pollutants on plants and even human health.