Response to copper bromide exposure in Vicia sativa L. seeds: Analysis of genotoxicity, nucleolar activity and mineral profile

• Copper effect on Vicia sativa seed germination and plantlet development was analysed.
• Genotoxicity and embryo mineral profile were evaluated.
• Influence of copper on root cell division and mineral content was observed.
• Increased number of nucleoli and scattering of nucleolar proteins were detected.
• Major toxic effects were observed at 5×10−3 M copper bromide.

Copper bromide (CuBr2) effects on seed germination and plantlet development of Vicia sativa L. are evaluated through mitotic index, chromosome aberrations, nucleolar activity and mineral profile. CuBr2 induces a significant presence of micronuclei, sticky and c-metaphases, anaphase bridges and chromosome breaks. Increased number of nucleoli and scattering of AgNOR proteins from the nucleolus in the nuclear surface at CuBr2 1 mM and in the cytoplasm at CuBr2 5 mM, goes along with the decrease of root growth. In V. sativa embryo the content of many macro and micronutrients increases up to copper 1 mM in agreement with reserve mobilization while at CuBr2 5 mM some elements are present in lower amount. We hypothesize that inhibitory effects observed at 5 mM are due either to a nutrient shortage or to a direct influence of copper on root cell division, evidenced by low mitotic index, high occurrence of chromosome aberrations and loss of material from the nucleolus.