Inhibition of root elongation in microgravity by an applied electric field.

Uchu Seibutsu Kagaku · 2000 · Harm · Low evidence

← Research stream

HarmLow evidencePaper 3951

Roots grown in microgravity had higher growth rates than ground controls. Immediately upon application of an applied electric field, root elongation was inhibited in microgravity-grown roots.

Study snapshot

PublicationUchu Seibutsu Kagaku · 2000

Study typeanimal

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Roots grown in an applied electric field demonstrate a bidirectional curvature. To further understand the nature of this response and its implications for the regulation of differential growth, we applied an electric field to roots growing in microgravity. We found that growth rates of roots in microgravity were higher than growth rates of ground controls. Immediately upon application of the electric field, root elongation was inhibited. We interpret this result as an indication that, in the absence of a gravity stimulus, the sensitivity of the root to an applied electric stimulus is increased. Further space experiments are required to determine the extent to which this sensitivity is shifted. The implications of this result are discussed in relation to gravitropic signaling and the regulation of differential cell elongation in the root.

Machine Enhanced Logic

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

PopulationRoots grown in microgravity and ground controls (plant roots)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureNot supplied

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 72% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Roots grown in microgravity had higher growth rates than ground controls. Immediately upon application of an applied electric field, root elongation was inhibited in microgravity-grown roots.

Outcomes measured

Root elongation/growth rate
Root curvature (bidirectional curvature)

Limitations

No exposure parameters reported (e.g., field strength, frequency, duration).
Sample size and experimental details not provided in abstract.
Findings described in microgravity context; generalizability to other conditions unclear.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "applied electric field",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Roots grown in microgravity and ground controls (plant roots)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Root elongation/growth rate",
    "Root curvature (bidirectional curvature)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Roots grown in microgravity had higher growth rates than ground controls. Immediately upon application of an applied electric field, root elongation was inhibited in microgravity-grown roots.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "No exposure parameters reported (e.g., field strength, frequency, duration).",
    "Sample size and experimental details not provided in abstract.",
    "Findings described in microgravity context; generalizability to other conditions unclear."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.72,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electric field",
    "microgravity",
    "root elongation",
    "growth inhibition",
    "root curvature",
    "gravitropism",
    "differential cell elongation"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "other",
      "weight": 0.35,
      "reason": "Study involves applied electric fields affecting biological growth (plant roots) in microgravity; not clearly tied to common RF/ELF consumer or occupational hubs."
    }
  ]
}

AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

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: 10.2187/bss.14.58
PubMed: 11543422

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library