Extract of Dragon Fruit Pulp (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Potentially Stain Chromosomes of Red Onion (Allium ascalonicum)

Genesiska Genesiska,Herda Pratiwi

doi:10.24252/bio.v6i2.4835

Abstract

Side effect of aceto-orcein as a dye of chromosome structures remains some risks. This dye may remain tissue damage on eyes mucous membrane, burnt by skin contact, severe irritation of respiratory by spray mist. Exploration of natural dye is an alternative solution. Betacyanine of red dragon fruits Hylocereus polyrhizus pulp might have a potential role to stain chromosome. Aim of this study is to extract dragon fruit pulp to stain chromosomes of mitotic cells of red onion Allium ascalonicum. The method used in this research is qualitative description of application squash method with aceto-orcein as synthetic dye and two ratio of extract ratio of red dragon fruits pulps as natural dye to mitotic cells of red onion roots. The result revealed that 2:1 ratio of red dragon fruits and distilled water could stain chromosomes of red onion somatic cells. Further specific solvent is required to further investigation to get best betacyanine extract of red dragon fruits pulps.

Highlights

In plant breeding, study of chromosomes morphology is an important key to identify plant species
In order to study of banding to chromosome structure, it requires understanding of how stains or dyes bind to the chromosomes
Nucleoli could not be stained with acetic orcein, in the chromatins which could be stained at clear area (K et al, 2014)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Study of chromosomes morphology is an important key to identify plant species. A stain-fixative method for that study of chromosomes structures was found called aceto-orcein. Standard solution of this stain contains 45% of acetic and 1% of orcein. A preparation called squash method combined with dye of aceto-orcein could observe chromosome structures (Anjali et al, 2012; Pan et al, 2008). Aim of this study is to extract of dragon fruit pulp (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and used it to stain chromosomes of mitotic cells of red onion Allium ascalonicum. The method used in this research is qualitative description by using squash method with aceto-orcein as synthetic dye and two ratio of natural dye from red dragon fruits pulps. Squash method with 1% of aceto-orcein dye was used in this research as a positive control. Fixed specimens were observed using digital microscopy for reach best visual of chromosomes

RESULT

DISCUSSION

Findings

CONCLUSION