Effect of methotrexate on the ultrastructure of Alliurn ceps L. and Haemanthus albiflos Jacq. roots cultured under anaerobic conditions

Abstract

Changes were found in the cell structure of the root meristems of <em>Haemanthus albiflos</em> and <em>Allium cepa</em> treated with methotrexate, an oncostatic preparation of the antimetabolite group. Root culture was conducted under anaerorbic conditions to induce In this way glycolysis typical for neoplastic cells. In <em>Haemanthus</em>, where the glycolytilc process runs normally, hypertrophy of the rough ER membranes noted correlated with the presence of numerous mitochondria and dictyasames with changed Structure. In <em>Allium</em> cells, where the glycalytic process runs with the participation of alliin, methotrexate did not evoke development of ER membranes. The structure of mitochondria and dictyosomes was similar as that in the root meristem of <em>Haemanthus</em>. In both studied objects thickening of the cell wall was noted.