Natural Dyes from Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocercus costaricensis) on Plant Chromosome Staining

Abstract

Efficacy of a dye extracted from red dragon fruit (Hylocercus costaricensis) was studied in chromosome staining of onion root tip with a solvent of the appropriate concentration and pH by using ethanol and acetic acid solvents at concentrations of 30%, 45% and 60%, the ratios of 1: 1, 2: 1, 5: 1 and 10: 1 for 12 and 24 hours, pH 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 6.5. It was found that acetic acid at a concentration of 60% at the ratio of 10: 1 for 24 hour and the pH 1.5 gave the best results in dyeing. Staining was found in areas of the nucleus and chromosomes at different stages of mitosis cell division. This experiment would reduce the use of chemicals in the laboratory, reduce the contamination of chemicals in the environment. It reduced the cost on purchasing of chemicals to use in the laboratory as well.