Abnormal Metaphase Cell Division Induced by Microtubules Depolymerization and Photosystem II Inhibiting Herbicides

In this study, we studied the abnormal metaphase division cells which were induced by microtubules depolymerization and photosystem II inhibiting herbicides. Experiment results revealed that metaphase synchronization division cells, multipolar division cells, metaphase chromosome-bridge, fragments and micronuclei could be induced by microtubules depolymerization herbicide amiprophose-methyl (APM) in root meristem of rye and maize. The threshold concentration is 2 mg/l (multipolar division, micronuclei, chromosome-bridge), 3 mg/l (fragment) for 16 h treatment and metaphase synchronization cells were induced at 4–5 mg/l for 5–6 h. These results further supported the idea that APM is a specific chemical that directly interrupts microtubule dynamics in plant cells. Abnormal metaphase division cells were thought to be directly related to the disturbance of spindle function.