Do electromagnetic fields interact directly with DNA?
The mechanisms whereby electromagnetic (EM) fields stimulate changes in biosynthesis in cells are not known. It has has generally been assumed that EM fields first interact with cell membranes, but this pathway may not be only one. Interactions with membranes are well documented, but recent studies of EM signal transduction in the membrane Na,K-ATPase are best explained by direct interaction of electric and magnetic fields with mobile charges within the enzyme. Interaction with moving charges may be a mechanism that is operative in other biopolymers. Recent studies on DNA have shown that large electron flows are possible within the stacked base pairs of the double helix. Therefore, gene activation by magnetic fields could be due to direct interaction with moving electrons within DNA. Electric fields as well as magnetic fields stimulate transcription, and both fields could interact with DNA directly. The mechanism of EM field-stimulated transcription may be related to the process in striated muscles, where endogenous electrical activity induces the synthesis of new proteins.
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Department of Physiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Goodman
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D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000201:enzymology / Q000528:radiation effects; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004553:Electric Conductivity / Q000009:adverse effects; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009132:Muscles / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000528:radiation effects; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000528:radiation effects
D004247:DNA; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase