Effects of anthocyanin-rich extract from red cabbage leaves on meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. roots treated with heavy metals.

The incubation of Allium cepa L. roots in Pb(NO3)2, Cd(NO3)(2)x4H2O or Cr(NO3)(3)x9H2O solution at the concentration of 100 microM lowered the mitotic index (MI) value in meristem by 58%, 39%, 48%, respectively. The proportion of mitotic phases (mainly prophases and telophases) in MI value was also changed.