ABSTRACT
In Allium and Lilium roots, saturated aqueous solution of coumarin produced a disruption of the metaphase typical of many benzene derivatives, viz. suppression of the spindle, splitting and shortening of the chromosomes, with retarded division of the centromere. The resultant polyploid nuclei and binucleate cells resumed division when the roots were returned to water.
Saturated solution of parasorbic acid slowed Allium mitosis, but caused no abnormalities.
Both coumarin and parasorbic acid eventually prevented the inception of mitosis, and this suppression of prophases persisted for several hours after removal of the agent.
The results are in agreement with prior evidence that in some configurations the benzene ring disrupts mitosis whereas the lactone ring inhibits growth.
