M. Girija, S. Gnanamurthy and D. Dhanavel
Cytological effects of the gamma rays were investigated in root tip cells of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp var. CO7. The root tip of V. unguiculata seeds were treated with various doses (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30KR) of gamma rays. The radiations can have direct effect on chromosomes. They may directly break chromosomes or alter one of the DNA bases or indirectly may initiate a chain of chemical reactions. The biological effect also depends on the kind of cell and stage of nuclear cycle. The results showed dose dependent increase in mitotic indices. The chromosomal mutations like anaphasic bridge, anaphasic laggard, stickiness, C-metaphase chromosome were also observed. The chromosomal aberration increased with increased in gamma irradiation doses.
