Weak ELF magnetic fields slow the cell cycle clock in root tips of Vicia faba L., the broad bean

Abstract

The growing root tips of Vicia faba L., the broad bean, were subjected to an alternating sine waveform magnetic field at 1.5 mT at one of the following frequencies: 50 Hz; 60 Hz; 75 Hz. The lengths of each stage of the cell cycle were determined by cell counts using Feulgen-stained microscope slides and a video microscope. The length of time taken for each stage of the cell cycle for all of the treatments differed significantly from the controls. In particular, prophase appeared longer for all treatments. The implication of this is that the all of the magnetic field treatments had some affect on chromosome coiling.