Effects of copper on root growth, cell division, and nucleolus of Zea mays

The effects of different concentrations (10(-5) - 10(-2) M) of copper sulfate on root growth, cell division and nucleoli in root tip cells of Zea mays L. were investigated. 10(-5) M Cu Stimulated root growth, but at higher concentrations (10(-4) - 10(-2) M) inhibited it. Cu had toxic effects on chromosomal morphology: c-mitosis, anaphase bridges, and chromosome stickiness were induced. Some nuclei had irregular shape and particles extruded from nucleoli to nuclei and finally from the nuclei into the cytoplasm.