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.