THE EFFECTS OF COPPER (CuCl2) ON MITOTIC CELL DIVISION OF LEBANON CEDAR (Cedrus libani)

Copper is an essential micronutrient for all living microorganisms Although it is toxic, copper is a cofactor of many enzymes and play an important role in electron transport. It alters membrane permeability, chromatin structure, enzyme activities photosynthesis and respiratory processes. Recently copper is released into the environment by anthropogenic activities, such as from pesticides, fungicides and industrial wastes. In this study, the effects of copper (CuCl2), one of the significant environmental pollutants, on mitotic divisions of Cedrus libani was investigated. Different concentrations (0,5, 1, 2 mM Cu+2) of copper were applied. Due to the increase of the copper concentrations, cell division was decreased; several mitotic anomalies such as fragmented nucleus, micronucleus, breaking chromosomes and chromosome bridges were increased.