Assessment of genotoxicity of nitrobenzene using Vicia-micronucleus test

The genotoxicity of nitrobenzene was evaluated by Vicia faba micronuclei (MN) assay, chromosomal aberration assay and mitotic index assay. Vicia faba primary root tip cell mitotic index (MI) increased following NB concentration from 5 mg/L to 50 mg/L. It implies that NB may effect on the mitosis of Vicia faba root tip cells, promote at lower concentration and inhibit at higher concentration. NB induces chromosome aberration of Vicia faba primary root cells. Single bridge, double bridge, chromosome fragment, abnormal action chromosome, syncytium and others aberration were observed. Chromosome aberration frequency at 5mg/L and higher show actual statistical significance (P<0.01) compared with the control. The significantly increasing of the MN and chromosomal aberrations frequency indicated the genotoxicity of NB on Vicia faba root tips.