Effects of Radiation on Corn
The Effect of Varying Dosages of Gamma Radiation on the
Growth of Corn (Zea mays L.)1
Montalbo, Josephine M.
A- 1L
September 7, 2013
1 A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Genetics laboratory under Prof. Cheryl D. Agdaca, 1st semester, A.Y. 2013-2014.
ABSTRACT
Exposure of corn plants to ionizing radiation such as gamma radiation can induce mutation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of varying levels of gamma radiation on growth parameters of Zea mays L. Ten seeds for each level of gamma radiation (0 krad, 10 krad, 30 krad and 50 krad) were planted and tested for the number of germinating seeds and plant height, using a meter stick or ruler. Data were collected for 30 days period and graphs and figures of the data were analyzed. Therefore, it can be inferred that the level of gamma radiation introduced to the plant would have adverse effect on the growth of corn plant; in terms of plant height, number of germinating seeds and its over-all survival rate. Thus, the higher the level of gamma radiation, the shorter the plants will become. Also, low levels of gamma radiation can improve capability of seeds to germinate.
INTRODUCTION
Mutations can be considered one of the most intriguing topics in biology, particularly in the field of genetics. It is a change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism 's DNA, ultimately creating genetic diversity (Campbell & Reece, 2008). Mutations are permanent changes in the genetic material. A change in the DNA sequence of a gene 3 can alter the amino acid sequence of the protein coded by the gene. Mutations range in extent from a single nucleotide to a large segment of a chromosome (Campbell, 2008).
Mutations may either be spontaneous, or induced by physical and chemical agents (Mendioro, et. al., 2013). Mutagenesis, the creation of mutation, can occur in various ways. It could be
Growth of Corn (Zea mays L.)1
Montalbo, Josephine M.
A- 1L
September 7, 2013
1 A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Genetics laboratory under Prof. Cheryl D. Agdaca, 1st semester, A.Y. 2013-2014.
ABSTRACT
Exposure of corn plants to ionizing radiation such as gamma radiation can induce mutation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of varying levels of gamma radiation on growth parameters of Zea mays L. Ten seeds for each level of gamma radiation (0 krad, 10 krad, 30 krad and 50 krad) were planted and tested for the number of germinating seeds and plant height, using a meter stick or ruler. Data were collected for 30 days period and graphs and figures of the data were analyzed. Therefore, it can be inferred that the level of gamma radiation introduced to the plant would have adverse effect on the growth of corn plant; in terms of plant height, number of germinating seeds and its over-all survival rate. Thus, the higher the level of gamma radiation, the shorter the plants will become. Also, low levels of gamma radiation can improve capability of seeds to germinate.
INTRODUCTION
Mutations can be considered one of the most intriguing topics in biology, particularly in the field of genetics. It is a change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism 's DNA, ultimately creating genetic diversity (Campbell & Reece, 2008). Mutations are permanent changes in the genetic material. A change in the DNA sequence of a gene 3 can alter the amino acid sequence of the protein coded by the gene. Mutations range in extent from a single nucleotide to a large segment of a chromosome (Campbell, 2008).
Mutations may either be spontaneous, or induced by physical and chemical agents (Mendioro, et. al., 2013). Mutagenesis, the creation of mutation, can occur in various ways. It could be
Cited: Al-Salhi, M., M.M. Ghannam, M.S. Al-Ayed, S.U. El-Kameesy and S. Roshdy. 2004. Effect of gamma-irradiation on the biophysical and morphological properties of corn. Nahrung., pp. 95-98. Campbell, N.A and J. Reece. 2008. Biology. 8th Edition. Philippines: Pearson Education South East Asia PTE. LTD. Pp. 344-370. Conger, A. D. 1963. Chromosome Aberrations and Free Radicals. Radiation-Induced Chromosome Aberrations. pp.167-202. Haber, A. H. 1972. Ionizing Radiation Effects on Higher Plants. Concepts in Radiation Cell Biology. pp.231-243. Mendioro, M., Laude, R., Barrion, A., Diaz, M.G., Mendoza, J., Ramirez, D. 2013. Genetics Laboratory Manual. 13th edition. San Pablo City: 7 Lakes Printing Press. pp.97. Purdom, C. E. 1963. Genetic Effects of Radiations. Surrey: Bartholomew Press. pp.54-72