Abstract: 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.
