The Dye Development from Mulberry Fruits (Morus alba L.) for Staining Chromosome

Abstract

The objective of this research was to select suitable solvents for extracting pigments from frozen mulberries (Morus alba L.). Four types of solvents were used, namely distilled water, 100% methanol, 95% ethanol, and 20% acetic acid at a ratio of 1:1 (weight g)/ solution volume (ml)). Those solvents were tested for chromosomal staining efficiency of onion root tips, it was found that methanol frozen mulberry extract had the highest mean of satisfaction with a satisfaction level of 4.51. The extract was then treated with a hot air oven drying process and ground to powder. After that, t h e mulberry powder was dissolved with methanol at the ratio of 1 : 2 and tested for chromosome staining at the tip of the onion root. The extract can still stain the chromosomes clearly and can keep the powder color for about 1 month.