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Abstract
The structure of the cytoplasm in root tip meristematic cells of Allium cepa was affected by coumarin, 4-hydroxycoumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin, psoralen, and xanthotoxin, leading to segregation of areas of cytoplasm by sheets of ER and invaginations of plasmalemma. Such areas either contained more ribosomes or were autophagic. Mitochondria divided after treatment and enlarged to the size of mega-mitochondria. Their matrix was mostly electron dense and cristae were numerous and dilated, suggesting changes in respiration processes. Furanocoumarins affected ATPases and acid phosphatases differently from coumarin and hydroxycoumarins. Furanocoumarins increased the activity of ATPases compared with the control, whereas other coumarins decreased this activity. Acid phosphatases showed increased activity after treatment with coumarin and hydroxycoumarins, but furanocoumarins had no significant effect on these enzymes.