TY - JOUR
T1 - The effects of aflatoxin B1 on immature germinating maize (Zea mays) embryos
AU - McLean, M.
AU - Berjak, P.
AU - Watt, M. P.
AU - Dutton, M. F.
PY - 1992/9/1
Y1 - 1992/9/1
N2 - Immature maize (Zea mays L.) embryos were treated with aflatoxin B1 concentrations, ranging from 0.1 μg ml-1 to 25 μg ml-1. Below 5 μg ml-1 aflatoxin B1, root and shoot elongation was not significantly inhibited. Ultrastructurally, root tip cells showed little deterioration, except a possible diffused clearing in mitochondria and plastids. As the toxin concentration was increased above 5 μgml-1, shoot, and particularly root elongation, was progressively inhibited. Associated with this, there was an apparent decrease in the ribosome population. Furthermore, membranes, particularly the vacuolar membrane, became abnormal and vacuolar distension occurred. At 20 and 25 μg ml-1, these effects were exacerbated, and mitochondria and plastid structure was disrupted. At these concentrations, there was evidence of a disruption in lipid metabolism. The results are discussed in the context of known aflatoxin effects on cellular control mechanisms and ultrastructure in animal systems.
AB - Immature maize (Zea mays L.) embryos were treated with aflatoxin B1 concentrations, ranging from 0.1 μg ml-1 to 25 μg ml-1. Below 5 μg ml-1 aflatoxin B1, root and shoot elongation was not significantly inhibited. Ultrastructurally, root tip cells showed little deterioration, except a possible diffused clearing in mitochondria and plastids. As the toxin concentration was increased above 5 μgml-1, shoot, and particularly root elongation, was progressively inhibited. Associated with this, there was an apparent decrease in the ribosome population. Furthermore, membranes, particularly the vacuolar membrane, became abnormal and vacuolar distension occurred. At 20 and 25 μg ml-1, these effects were exacerbated, and mitochondria and plastid structure was disrupted. At these concentrations, there was evidence of a disruption in lipid metabolism. The results are discussed in the context of known aflatoxin effects on cellular control mechanisms and ultrastructure in animal systems.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0348031029&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/BF00448817
DO - 10.1007/BF00448817
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0348031029
VL - 119
SP - 181
EP - 190
JO - Mycopathologia et Mycologia Applicata
JF - Mycopathologia et Mycologia Applicata
SN - 0301-486X
IS - 3
ER -