Influence of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on chromosomes and the mitotic cycle in Vicia faba L., the broad bean.
Vicia faba seedlings were subjected to one of the following magnetic fields continuously for 3 days: 0 Hz (DC) at 5 mT, 50 Hz at 1.5 mT, 60 Hz at 1.5 mT, and 75 Hz at 1.5 mT. The lengths of all the phases of mitosis differed from the controls in all treatments using alternating magnetic fields and for prophase and metaphase in the DC condition. In particular, all treatments increased the length of prophase significantly in meristematic root-tip cells compared with the controls. The implications of these results for chromosome coiling are discussed. The length of prophase, however, did not vary significantly between any of the treatments. Furthermore, none of the exposed seedlings had a greater frequency of chromosome breakages above that of the control plants.
Rapley
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BI
Department of Production Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Rowland
R E
RE
Page
W H
WH
Podd
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JV
D002453:Cell Cycle; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics; D008280:Magnetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008938:Mitosis; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D013997:Time Factors