Ultrastructure and calcium balance in meristem cells of pea roots exposed to extremely low magnetic fields.

Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) · 2001 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 3917

Study snapshot

PublicationAdvances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) · 2001

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Investigations of low magnetic field (LMF) effects on biological systems have attracted attention of biologists due to planned space flights to other planets where the field intensity does not exceed 10(-5) Oe. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds were grown in an environment of LMF 3 days. In meristem cells of roots exposed to LMF, one could observe such ultrastructural peculiarities as a noticeable accumulation of lipid bodies, development of a lytic compartment (vacuoles, cytosegresomes and paramural bodies), and reduction of phytoferritin in plastids. Mitochondria were the most sensitive organelle to LMF application. Their size and relative volume in cells increased, matrix was electron-transparent, and cristae reduced. Because of the significant role of calcium signalling in plant responses to different environmental factors, calcium participation in LMF effects was investigated using a pyroantimonate method to identify the localization of free calcium ions. The intensity of cytochemical reaction in root cells after LMF application was strong. The Ca2+ pyroantimonate deposits were observed both in all organelles and in a hyaloplasm of the cells. Data obtained suggest that the observed LMF effects on ultrastructure of root cells were due to disruptions in different metabolic systems including effects on Ca2+ homeostasis.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal

Effect directionharm

PopulationPea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds/roots (meristem cells)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureELF · 3 days

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Pea seeds grown for 3 days in a low magnetic field showed multiple ultrastructural changes in root meristem cells, including lipid body accumulation, development of lytic compartments, and reduced phytoferritin in plastids. Mitochondria showed increased size/relative volume with electron-transparent matrix and reduced cristae. Cytochemical staining for free Ca2+ was strong after exposure, with Ca2+ deposits observed in organelles and hyaloplasm; the authors suggest effects involve disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and metabolism.

Outcomes measured

Root meristem cell ultrastructure (lipid bodies, lytic compartments/vacuoles, cytosegresomes, paramural bodies, phytoferritin in plastids)
Mitochondrial morphology (size/relative volume, matrix electron transparency, cristae reduction)
Localization/intensity of free Ca2+ (pyroantimonate deposits; cytochemical reaction intensity)
Ca2+ homeostasis (inferred disruption)

Limitations

Magnetic field exposure parameters beyond being a 'low magnetic field' are not fully specified in the abstract (e.g., frequency, exact intensity/units during exposure).
No sample size or statistical analysis details provided in the abstract.
Plant model; relevance to human health is not addressed in the abstract.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "other",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "3 days"
  },
  "population": "Pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds/roots (meristem cells)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Root meristem cell ultrastructure (lipid bodies, lytic compartments/vacuoles, cytosegresomes, paramural bodies, phytoferritin in plastids)",
    "Mitochondrial morphology (size/relative volume, matrix electron transparency, cristae reduction)",
    "Localization/intensity of free Ca2+ (pyroantimonate deposits; cytochemical reaction intensity)",
    "Ca2+ homeostasis (inferred disruption)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Pea seeds grown for 3 days in a low magnetic field showed multiple ultrastructural changes in root meristem cells, including lipid body accumulation, development of lytic compartments, and reduced phytoferritin in plastids. Mitochondria showed increased size/relative volume with electron-transparent matrix and reduced cristae. Cytochemical staining for free Ca2+ was strong after exposure, with Ca2+ deposits observed in organelles and hyaloplasm; the authors suggest effects involve disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and metabolism.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Magnetic field exposure parameters beyond being a 'low magnetic field' are not fully specified in the abstract (e.g., frequency, exact intensity/units during exposure).",
    "No sample size or statistical analysis details provided in the abstract.",
    "Plant model; relevance to human health is not addressed in the abstract."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "low magnetic field",
    "extremely low magnetic fields",
    "pea",
    "Pisum sativum",
    "root meristem",
    "ultrastructure",
    "mitochondria",
    "calcium",
    "Ca2+ homeostasis",
    "pyroantimonate"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/s0273-1177(01)00373-8
PubMed: 11803967

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