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Randomness of chromosome breaks in bone marrow cells of fertilizer-fed mice, Mus musculus
1Department of Zoology, Bhagalpur University, India.
Abstract:
Three commonly used fertilizers, urea, single superphosphate and muriate of potash, induced chromosome and chromatid breaks in the metaphase chromosomes of bone marrow cells of fertilizer-fed Swiss albino mice, Mus musculus. The breaks caused by urea and phosphate were non-randomly distributed, since they were more frequent in the longer chromosomes than in the smaller ones, and more common in the distal region than in the juxtacentromeric and median regions. The breaks induced by muriate of potash were randomly distributed in both the length and region of the chromosomes.
Insights
Fertilizers like urea, single superphosphate, and muriate of potash can cause chromosome damage in mice. Urea and phosphate-induced breaks were non-random, while muriate of potash breaks were random.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fertilizers are widely used in agriculture.
- Potential genotoxicity of common fertilizers requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genotoxic effects of urea, single superphosphate, and muriate of potash on mouse bone marrow cells.
Main Methods:
- Swiss albino mice were fed with three common fertilizers.
- Metaphase chromosomes of bone marrow cells were analyzed for breaks.
Main Results:
- Urea, single superphosphate, and muriate of potash induced chromosome and chromatid breaks.
- Breaks from urea and phosphate showed non-random distribution (preferring longer chromosomes and distal regions).
- Muriate of potash-induced breaks were randomly distributed.
Conclusions:
- Common fertilizers can exhibit genotoxic potential.
- The distribution patterns of induced chromosomal aberrations may vary between different fertilizer compounds.