Root Meristem Cells Research Articles

Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Activities of Cornhusk Extract of Zea mays and Leaf Extract of Sacharum officinarum

Zea mays husk and Saccharum officinarum have been used for years in ethnomedicine for their antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antidiabetic, and antiphlogistic activities. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Zea mays husk and Saccharum officinarum leaf extracts on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa were investigated. Onion bulbs were exposed to 2.5 mg/ml, 5mg/ml, and 10 mg/ml concentrations of the extracts for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Tap water was used as a negative control and Methotrexate (0.1 mg/ml) was used as a positive control. There was statistically significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of root growth depending on concentration by the extracts when compared with the negative control group. All the tested extracts were observed to have cytotoxic effects on cell division in A. cepa. The extract induced chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations in A. cepa root tip cells were significant (p<0.05) when compared with the control group. The extracts treatment further induced cell death, ghost cells, cells membrane damage, and binucleated cells. The Zea mays husk extract was found to exhibit higher cytotoxic and genotoxic potential than Saccharum officinarum leaf extract. These results suggest that Zea mays husk and Saccharum officinarum leaf extracts possess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa.

Toxicity assessment of powdered laundry detergents: an in vivo approach with a plant-based bioassay.

Powdered laundry detergents, encompassing a diverse blend of organic and inorganic compounds, are crucial in efficiently removing dirt in household cleaning. This study investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of commonly used powdered laundry detergents in Sri Lanka using the Allium cepa bioassay. Five detergents (four branded A, B, C, and D, and one non-branded E) were selected for assessment. Toxicity evaluations were conducted across a range of predetermined aqueous detergent concentrations (0-2500mg/L) using the A. cepa bioassay, with all experiments being triplicated and following standard protocols. Exposure to detergent concentrations up to 500mg/L resulted in mitosis suppression, nuclear aberrations, and chromosomal abnormalities in A. cepa, indicating concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Condensed nuclei were notably prevalent among nuclear abnormalities, while vagrant chromosomes and chromosomal adherence were the most frequent chromosomal aberrations observed. At higher concentrations (> 500mg/L), the selected detergents induced necrotic cell death in A. cepa root meristematic cells. This study warns to avoid the unnecessary use of detergents as they cause significant ecological risks and advocates for further research to comprehensively assess detergent toxicity across diverse organisms within ecosystems to safeguard ecosystem health effectively.

Investigation of phytotoxic effects of fullerene С60 with the use of Allium-test

Aim. To investigate the cytogenetic effects of water-soluble fullerene C60 with the use of Allium test. To study the influence of various concentrations of fullerene С60 on the morpho-physiological parameters of A. cepa. Methods. The influence of different concentrations of fullerene С60 (25–100 μg/ml) on the induction of root formation and their growth, as well as its cytogenetic effects on the meristematic cells of root apices, were investigated. Results. It was found that fullerene C60 at concentrations of 50 and 75 μg/ml induced root formation and stimulated root growth, though causing minor deformations. Also, it was shown that fullerene С60 disrupts the progression of various phases of mitosis in the meristematic cells of roots, along with the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations at all investigated concentrations. Conclusions. The cytogenetic effects of water-soluble fullerene C60 were investigated for the first time using the Allium-test. Both positive effects on the morphophysiological parameters of A. cepa and its genotoxicity were demonstrated, which could indicate the disruptions in the mechanisms of spindle formation.

Phyto-toxicological effect of fipronil to plant seedlings: Assessing germination attributes, root-tip morphology, oxidative stress, and cellular respiration indices

Pesticides including insecticides are applied in agricultural practices to control insect pests. However, their excessive usage often poses a severe threat to the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of plants. Here, responses of chickpea and greengram seedlings exposed to three fipronil (FIP) concentrations i. e. 100 (1×), 200 (2×) and 300 (3×) μg mL−1 was evaluated under in vitro. Among doses, 3× had a greater negative impact on germination attributes, root-shoot elongation, vigor indices, length ratios, and survival of seedlings. Besides, the morphological distortion in root tips, oxidative stress generation, and cellular death in fipronil-supplemented root seedlings were observed under scanning electron (SEM) and confocal laser scanning (CLSM), respectively. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) and pronounced upsurge in plant stressor metabolites such as proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, and antioxidants enzymes in plant seedlings further confirmed the fipronil toxicity. In addition, a concentration-dependent decrease in respiration efficiency (RE) and ATP content in FIP-treated seedlings was observed. Reduced mitotic index (MI) and numerous chromosomal anomalies (CAs) in root meristematic cells of seedlings are a clear indication of insecticide-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, a dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in root meristematic cells of greengram revealed the genotoxic potential of fipronil. Conclusively, fipronil suggested phyto and cyto-genotoxic effects that emphasize their careful monitoring in soils before application and their optimum addition in soil-plant systems. It is high time to prepare both target-specific and slow-released agrochemical formulations for crop protection with concurrent safeguarding of the soil.

Genotoxic effects of copper nanoparticles on Vicia pannonica Crantz. root meristem cells

With the increasing use of metal nanoparticles, their access to the food chain has become the main concern for scientists. The present study sheds light on the copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), which are widely used in many industries today. For this purpose, Vicia pannonica Crantz., a common fodder plant, was used and exposed to metal-based Cu NPs. To determine the genotoxic effects on root meristem cells, total of 3 different concentrations (50 ppm, 150 ppm, and 300 ppm) of Cu NPs and the control in deionized water solutions were prepared. The determination of the accumulation and elimination of Cu NPs in Vicia pannonica used in the study was carried out using with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM element mapping, and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDS) characteristic spectrum analysis. All doses of Cu NPs caused significant decreases in the Mitotic index of V. pannonica meristem cells compared to the control. Multiple analyzes carried out in the study showed that Cu NPs caused abnormalities in cell division such as C-metaphase, polar aberration, deconstructed anaphase, chromosome breakage, loss of genetic material, failure to assemble in the metaphase plate, deconstructed metaphase, asynchronous division remaining chromosome in metaphase, adhesion, deconstructed prophase, advanced chromosomes, and chromosome bridges in anaphase. Results support that Cu NPs have a genotoxic effect on V. pannonica.

Assessment of synthetic food dye erythrosine induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, biochemical and molecular alterations in Allium cepa root meristematic cells: insights from in silico study.

Synthetic food dyes are being exponentially used in food products and scarce studies regarding their toxicities and safety raise concern. Erythrosine is one of the synthetic food dyes being used in jams, fig, pineapple marmalades, dairy products, soft drinks, pickles, relishes, smoked fish, cheese, ketchup, maraschino cherries and a variety of other foods. In this study the cyto-genotoxic effect of erythrosine was evaluated, using root meristematic cells of Allium cepa for the cellular and molecular alternations at concentrations 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/mL. The results revealed a significant decrease of 57.81% in the mitotic index after 96h at the 0.1mg/mL concentration. In biochemical analysis, the malondialdehyde content increased significantly (5.47-fold), while proline content, catalase activity and superoxide dismutase activity decreased gradually in a concentration-dependent manner showing a maximum decrease of 78.11%, 64.68% and 61.73% respectively at the highest concentration after 96h duration. The comet assay revealed increased DNA damage with increasing concentration and attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis showed significant alterations in biomolecules as indicated by multivariate analysis, i.e. Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated a strong binding energy (Gbest=-11.46kcal/mol) and an inhibition constant (Ki) of 3.96nM between erythrosine and the DNA minor groove. The present study's findings revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of erythrosine on A. cepa root cells. Further, the study also proposed the usefulness of A. cepa as a model system for studying the toxicity of food additives.

Exploring the antimitotic, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic properties of lasiosiphon glaucus or gnidia glauca (fresen.) gilg leaf alkaloid extract: insights from experimental and in silico investigations

Plant alkaloids are nitrogen containing secondary metabolites that have wide range of biological properties including anticancer activity. ‘Lasiosiphon glaucus’, or ‘Gnidia glauca (Fresen.) Gilg,’ known for its biological properties, requires exploration to evaluate cytotoxic and anticancer effects. The present study is aimed to evaluate L. glaucus leaf alkaloid extract (LgLAE) for antimitotic, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic properties. LgLAE demonstrated comparable antimitotic efficacy to methotrexate in Allium cepa root meristematic cells. Thrombolytic evaluation showed a maximum observed clot lysis of 41.39 ± 0.21% at 2 mg/100 µL. Cytotoxicity assay shows greater inhibition of MCF-7 (144.51 μg/mL) cancer cell proliferation than MCF-10A cells (409.86 μg/mL), indicating potential cancer-specific effects. Computational analysis revealed strong binding affinities between L. glaucus alkaloids (Ergocristine, Solasodine, Solanocapsine, Delphinine, and Harmidine) and relevant receptors. These findings highlight L. glaucus contains valuable natural compounds with pharmacological effects, particularly in antimitotic, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic effects, it essential for further investigation for cancer treatment.

Investigation of multidirectional toxicity induced by high-dose molybdenum exposure with Allium test

In this study, the multifaceted toxicity induced by high doses of the essential trace element molybdenum in Allium cepa L. was investigated. Germination, root elongation, weight gain, mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), Comet assay, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and anatomical parameters were used as biomarkers of toxicity. In addition, detailed correlation and PCA analyzes were performed for all parameters discussed. On the other hand, this study focused on the development of a two hidden layer deep neural network (DNN) using Matlab. Four experimental groups were designed: control group bulbs were germinated in tap water and application group bulbs were germinated with 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/L doses of molybdenum for 72 h. After germination, root tips were collected and prepared for analysis. As a result, molybdenum exposure caused a dose-dependent decrease (p < 0.05) in the investigated physiological parameter values, and an increase (p < 0.05) in the cytogenetic (except MI) and biochemical parameter values. Molybdenum exposure induced different types of CAs and various anatomical damages in root meristem cells. Comet assay results showed that the severity of DNA damage increased depending on the increasing molybdenum dose. Detailed correlation and PCA analysis results determined significant positive and negative interactions between the investigated parameters and confirmed the relationships of these parameters with molybdenum doses. It has been found that the DNN model is in close agreement with the actual data showing the accuracy of the predictions. MAE, MAPE, RMSE and R2 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the DNN model. Collective analysis of these metrics showed that the DNN model performed well. As a result, it has been determined once again that high doses of molybdenum cause multiple toxicity in A. cepa and the Allium test is a reliable universal test for determining this toxicity. Therefore, periodic measurement of molybdenum levels in agricultural soils should be the first priority in preventing molybdenum toxicity.

Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity Activities of Stembark Extract of Mammea africana

Mammea africana, a medicinal plant, used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of malaria, diabetes, poisoning and inflammatory diseases was investigated for cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. Onion bulbs were exposed to 2.5 mg/mL, 5mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL concentrations of the stembark extract for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Tap water was used as a negative control and Methotrexate (0.1 mg/mL) as a positive control. There was statistically significant (p&lt; 0.05) inhibition of root growth depending on concentration by the extract when compared with the negative control group. All the tested concentrations of the extract were observed to have cytotoxic effect on cell division in A. cepa. When compared to the control group, the extract-induced chromosomal abnormalities and micronuclei (MNC) forms in A. cepa root tip cells were substantial (p&lt;0.05). Further inducing cell death, ghost cells, membrane damage, and binucleated cells was the extract treatment. These findings imply that the phytochemical components of Mammea africana root extract exert their cytotoxic and genotoxic actions on A. cepa.

The plastid-localized lipoamide dehydrogenase 1 is crucial for redox homeostasis, tolerance to arsenic stress and fatty acid biosynthesis in rice.

Soil contamination with arsenic (As) can cause phytotoxicity and reduce crop yield. The mechanisms of As toxicity and tolerance are not fully understood. In this study, we used a forward genetics approach to isolate a rice mutant, ahs1, that exhibits hypersensitivity to both arsenate and arsenite. Through genomic resequencing and complementation tests, we identified OsLPD1 as the causal gene, which encodes a putative lipoamide dehydrogenase. OsLPD1 was expressed in the outer cell layer of roots, root meristem cells, and in the mesophyll and vascular tissues of leaves. Subcellular localization and immunoblot analysis demonstrated that OsLPD1 is localized in the stroma of plastids. In vitro assays showed that OsLPD1 exhibited lipoamide dehydrogenase (LPD) activity, which was strongly inhibited by arsenite, but not by arsenate. The ahs1 and OsLPD1 knockout mutants exhibited significantly reduced NADH/NAD+ and GSH/GSSG ratios, along with increased levels of reactive oxygen species and greater oxidative stress in the roots compared with wild-type (WT) plants under As treatment. Additionally, loss-of-function of OsLPD1 also resulted in decreased fatty acid concentrations in rice grain. Taken together, our finding reveals that OsLPD1 plays an important role for maintaining redox homeostasis, conferring tolerance to arsenic stress, and regulating fatty acid biosynthesis in rice.

Antigenotoxic potential of the aqueous basidiocarp extracts of Calocybe indica

Calocybe indica, commonly known as the milky white mushroom, is an edible mushroom native to India. The antigenotoxic potential of the aqueous basidiocarp extract (25 g/L and 50 g/L) of C. indica was investigated using the Allium cepa test system. Meristematic cells of root tips treated with 100% Coca-Cola served as a positive control. A significant reduction in the mitotic index (7.83 ± 0.60) was observed in the positive control (100% Coca-Cola) compared to the negative control. The highest percentage (65.25 ± 4.58) of chromosomal abnormalities was observed in the positive control. Chromosomal abnormalities were significantly reduced in root tip cells treated with Coca-Cola followed by treatment with basidiocarp extracts such as 25 g/L and 50 g/L (30.32 ± 4.44 and 14.20 ± 2.41, respectively). Coca-Cola induced chromosomal abnormalities were reduced by treatment with basidiocarp extracts, demonstrating the antimutagenic potential of C. indica. The present study indicates that the aqueous basidiocarp extracts of C. indica have anti-genotoxic effects. The clastogenic abnormalities caused by Coca-Cola are competently restored in the root meristem cells of A. cepa treated with the extract.

Exogenous application of mycotoxin fusaric acid improve the morphological, cytogenetic, biochemical and anatomical parameters in salt (NaCl) stressed Allium cepa L.

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors that negatively affect plant growth and development. In contrast, fusaric acid (FA), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium and Giberella fungal genera, has biological and metabolic effects in various plants. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the protective effect of externally applied FA (0.1 nM) against the damage caused by salt (0.15 M NaCl) stress in onion (Allium cepa L.) plant. Salt stress resulted in an increase in the chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus (MN) frequency, a decrease in the mitotic index (MI), fresh weight, root number, germination percentage, and root length. It promoted CAs such as irregular mitosis, bilobulated nuclei, chromosome loss, bridge, unequal seperation of chromosome, vagrant chromosome and polar slip in root meristem cells. In addition, salt stress caused a enhancement in free proline (PR), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the roots of onion plant. Moreover, it revealed damage and changes that include the accumulation of some chemical substances such as proline and sugars in epidermis and cortex layer cells, epidermal cell injury, flattening of the cell nucleus, wall thickening in cortex cells, necrotic areas and indistinct transmission tissue in the anatomical structure of onion roots. On the other hand, FA application promoted bulb germination and mitotic activity, strengthened the antioxidant defense system, and reduced chromosome and anatomical structure damages. In conclusion; it has been revealed that exogenous FA application may have a positive effect on increasing the resistance of onion plants to salt stress.

Evaluation of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Activities of Leaf and Seed Extracts of Telfairia occidentalis

Telfairia occidentalis Hook (cucurbitaceae) leaves and seeds, which are used as vegetable in the preparation of soups and as medicine traditionally to treat various diseases by the Ibibios were investigated for genotoxic and cytotoxic effects using Allium cepa test. The effects of the leaves and seeds extracts on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa were investigated using onion bulbs exposed to 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL concentrations of the extracts for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Tap water was used as a negative control and Methotrexate (0.1 mg/ml) was used as a positive control. There was statistically significant (p&lt; 0.05) inhibition of root growth depending on concentration by the extracts when compared with the negative control group. All the tested extracts were observed to have cytotoxic effects on cell division in A. cepa. The extracts-induced chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations in A. cepa root tip cells were significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared with control group. The extracts treatment further induced cell death, ghost cells, cells membrane damage, and binucleated cells. The seed extract was found to have a higher cytotoxic and genotoxic effects than the leaf extract. These results suggest that the leaf and seeds extract of Telfairia occidentalis possess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Potentials of Datura innoxia Leaves Aqueous Extract on Allium cepa Meristemic Cells

Medicinal plants are still vitally important in the preparation of pharmaceutical products. Plants have been used both for their prophylactic effects and for the treatment of illnesses and diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 80% of developing countries use traditional folk medicines, 85% of which are plant extracts. Datura plant was used medicinally over the world in historical times for treatment of colds, nervous conditions, and as ointment for cuts or wounds and to relieve pain during the setting of bones. The present study aimed to investigate the mutagenic potential of Datura innoxia water extract using Allium cepa root tip cells as biological systems they were used to find out the effect of Datura extract on chromosomal structure and behavior during cell division. Therefore, the mitotic index and chromosome aberration in treated cells were recorded. The root meristem cells were treated with different concentrations of D. innoxia at different times, cytological analysis revealed significant depression in cell division, this was seen noticeably in all used concentrations especially at high ones. The interaction of D. innoxia extract with the genetic material led to DNA damage and decreased cell number depending concentration and time.

Oxidative replication stress induced by long-term exposure to hydroxyurea in root meristem cells of Vicia faba.

Low concentrations of hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of DNA replication, induced oxidative and replicative stress in root apical meristem (RAM) cells of Vicia faba. Plant cells are constantly exposed to low-level endogenous stress factors that can affect DNA replication and lead to DNA damage. Long-term treatments of Vicia faba root apical meristems (RAMs) with HU leads to the appearance of atypical cells with intranuclear asynchrony. This rare form of abnormality was manifested by a gradual condensation of chromatin, from interphase to mitosis (so-called IM cells). Moreover, HU-treated root cells revealed abnormal chromosome structure, persisting DNA replication, and elevated levels of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2∙-). Immunocytochemical studies have shown an increased number of fluorescent foci of H3 histones acetylated at lysine 56 (H3K56Ac; canonically connected with the DNA replication process). We show that continuous 3-day exposure to low concentrations (0.75mM) of hydroxyurea (HU; an inhibitor of DNA replication) induces cellular response to reactive oxygen species and to DNA replication stress conditions.

Dissection of the spatial dynamics of biosynthesis, transport, and turnover of major amino acids in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)

Abstract High levels of free amino acids (AAs) in tea leaves are crucial for tea flavor and health function, however, the dynamic AA biosynthesis, transport and turnover in tea plants remain elusive. Here we dissected whole tea plants for these dynamics by assessing AA profiles and transcriptomes of metabolic pathway genes in tea roots, stems, and leaves and revealing their distinctive features with regard to AA synthesis, transport, and degradation/recycling. Nitrogen assimilation dominated in the roots wherein glutamine (Gln), theanine, and Arginine (Arg) were actively synthesized. Arg was transported into trunk roots and stems, together with Glu, Gln, and theanine as the major AAs in the xylem sap for long-distance root-to-leaf transport. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes involved in Arg synthesis were highly expressed in roots, but those for Arg transport and degradation were highly expressed in stems and young leaves, respectively. CsGSIa transcripts were found in root meristem cells, root, stem and leaf vascular tissues, and leaf mesophyll where it appeared to participate in AA synthesis, transport and recycling. Overexpression CsGSIa in tea transgenic hairy roots and knockdown of CsGSIa in transgenic hairy roots and tea leaves produced higher and lower Gln and theanine than wild type roots and leaves, respectively. This study provides comprehensive and new insights into AA metabolism and transport in the whole tea plant.

APP1/NTL9-CalS8 module ensures proper phloem differentiation by stabilizing callose accumulation and symplastic communication.

Phloem sieve elements (PSE), the primary conduits collaborating with neighboring phloem pole pericycle (PPP) cells to facilitate unloading in Arabidopsis roots, undergo a series of developmental stages before achieving maturation and functionality. However, the mechanism that maintains the proper progression of these differentiation stages remains largely unknown. We identified a gain-of-function mutant altered phloem pole pericycle 1 Dominant (app1D), producing a truncated, nuclear-localized active form of NAC with Transmembrane Motif 1-like (NTL9). This mutation leads to ectopic expression of its downstream target CALLOSE SYNTHASE 8 (CalS8), thereby inducing callose accumulation, impeding SE differentiation, impairing phloem transport, and inhibiting root growth. The app1D phenotype could be reproduced by blocking the symplastic channels of cells within APP1 expression domain in wild-type (WT) roots. The WT APP1 is primarily membrane-tethered and dormant in the root meristem cells but entries into the nucleus in several cells in PPP near the unloading region, and this import is inhibited by blocking the symplastic intercellular transport in differentiating SE. Our results suggest a potential maintenance mechanism involving an APP1-CalS8 module, which induces CalS8 expression and modulates symplastic communication, and the proper activation of this module is crucial for the successful differentiation of SE in the Arabidopsis root.

The “neue welle” of meristem cells of blossoms, roots or fruits and buds of whichever botanical “vagary” in cosmetic may be risky for Human Health

The “neue welle” of meristem cells of blossoms, roots or fruits and buds of whichever botanical “vagary” in cosmetic may be risky for Human Health

Assessment of mutagenic potentials of water from the Kapshagai reservoir (Republic of Kazakhstan) utilising barley as a test organism

The intensification of human-induced pressures on the environment leads to significant disturbances in the integrity and stability of ecosystems. The presence of pollutants can mutate genetic material, thereby heightening the rate of genetic mutations within organisms due to environmental exposure. The accumulation of xenobiotics in essential habitats like soil and water underscores the necessity for continuous genetic monitoring of surface waters in daily contact with humans. This study analyses the mutagenic effects of water from the Kapshagai Reservoir and the Ile River at its confluence with the reservoir, a site of significant economic activity. Utilising cytogenetic analysis to examine chromosomal aberrations in Hordeum vulgare L., the study investigated the mutagenic and cytotoxic impacts of water samples gathered during the spring and summer of 2023. The results indicate that water from the Kapshagai Reservoir displayed mutagenic and cytotoxic activities, causing structural mutations in barley seeds at a rate markedly exceeding spontaneous mutation levels (p&lt;0.01). Additionally, the appearance of polyploid cells, which were not present in the control group, reduced the proliferative activity of the barley root meristem cells. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of the examined water samples on genetic stability.

Mutagenic activity of water samples from Kaskelen River (Kazakhstan) on plant test systems

Rivers are pivotal in the life processes of all living organisms, including humans. The engagement of rivers in daily human economic endeavours has precipitated and continues to precipitate disturbances in the ecological equilibrium, long-established by the forces of evolution. Consequently, providing clean, high-quality water is paramount for sustaining all life forms. This investigation aimed to examine the mutagenic potential of water samples from the Kaskelen River, which is subjected to anthropogenic influences, employing plant-based test subjects. The water’s mutagenic properties were assessed through an assay for chromosomal aberrations (utilizing the metaphase approach) on Hordeum vulgare L. The results demonstrated a statistically significant decline in the mitotic index under all experimental conditions compared to the negative control (p&lt;0.05), indicating the cytotoxic effects of the water samples under study. Further analysis of the water’s mutagenic activity elucidated its capacity to induce structural mutations within the root meristem cells of barley, manifesting a significant uptick in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations relative to the negative control (p&lt;0.05). The extensive array of observed chromosomal rearrangements underscores the existence of mutagenic agents in the river’s water, possessing a broad spectrum of effects.