Objective: Although the high magnetic field is commonly accepted as harmless for biological tissues, there is no consensus about its biological effects. This study aims to investigate probable genetic damages of magnetic field on biological tissues using a simple and widely accepted method, Allium test.
Materials and Methods: The same sized healthy Allium cepa (onion) plants were exposed to 0.5 Tesla magnetic field for 0, 8, 24 and 72 hours as groups of four. Allium test was applied and at least 4.000 cells were counted for each group. Observed chromosomal aberrations were analyzed and photographed.
Results: Magnetic field application adversely affected the mitotic activity in the experiment group compared to the control. The chromosomal aberrations increased in proportion to increased magnetic field exposure times. The most encountered aberrations were C-metaphase, stickiness, lagging chromosome, anaphase bridge, micronucleus, irregular anaphase, and polar deviation. The group comparisons showed statistically significant differences between the control group and 8, 24 and 72 hour magnetic field exposure groups.
Conclusion: This study has shown potential genotoxic and mutagenic effects of high magnetic field on Allium cepa root tip cells using Allium test. Although there is a need for more studies, the data in the study show that the strong magnetic field leads to chromosomal disorders.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Radiology and Organ Imaging |
Journal Section | Research Article |
Authors | |
Publication Date | April 30, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 Volume: 20 Issue: 1 |