Micronuclei assay as biomarker for ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) genotoxicity in Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.

The eukaryotic cells are complemented with a single nucleus. However, several cells show abnormal small nuclei known as micronuclei, with addition to the main nucleus. These anomalous small nuclei along with main nucleus which may be the result of exposure of cell to cytotoxic agents (Chemicals/physical mutagens). These mutagens also cause structural or numerical chromosomal aberrations. The treatment of EMS, a chemical mutagen, induces micronuclei formation and nuclear as well as chromosomal peculiarities in Eclipta alba. The effect of micronuclei is discussed in terms of cytotoxicity of genotoxins and several evidences of nuclear polymorphism illustrated due to the mutagenic effect of EMS. Pollen viability was also examined through pollen fertility. Micronuclei causes the genomic instability and elimination of genome which is effectively put to use in breeding programmes for the creation of aneuploids and also for haploid lines.