LSD Induced Genetic Damage in Barley

LSD has been found to induce extensive chromosomal aberrations in barley. The drug also stimulated mitotic activity in cells of the root tips within a few hours of the treatment. The chromosomal aberrations induced by LSD appeared to be qualitatively different from those produced by ionizing radiation and various other chemicals. Most of the broken ends failed to reunite and there was a disproportionately large number of breaks in the region of the centromere. The seedling height was found to be reduced as a result of treatment, presumably because of the induced genetic damage.