Induction of multipolar spindle in Allium sativum.

The effect of the polyene antifungal antibiotic aureofungin on the chromosomes of Allium sativum was examined. Mitotic studies showed chromosomal abnormalities of metaphase and anaphase. Besides these anomalies, the alteration of the spindle, i.e. tri- to multipolar condition, was also observed in treatment with 100 microgram treatment for 24 h, and 200 microgram for 12 h and 24 h. The chemical also inhibited cytokinesis; hence, the multinucleate condition was established. Due to fragmentation and unequal distribution of chromatin material, the nuclear volume was also observed to be variable.