The Effect of Radiation in Inducing Mutation on the Growth of Zea Mays
The Effect of Radiation in Inducing Mutation
On the Growth of Zea mays1
Milanie Joy S. Baradi
BIO 30 Section S-1L
October 10, 2011
____________________ 1A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Biology 30 laboratory under Professor Neilyn O. Villa, 1st semester, 2011-2012. ABSTRACT To determine the effects of gamma radiation in inducing mutation on the growth of corn (Zea mays), an experiment using corn seeds exposed in to different rate of radiation (0kr, 10 kr, 30 kr, and 50 kr) was done. Four treatments were prepared using 10 seeds from each of the following different radiation rates. The seeds were planted and were observed for seven weeks. The percent germination and mortality rate, as well as the height (in cm) were obtained. Results showed that the control obtained the highest germination rate and average plant height while the lowest was obtained by the treatment which used the highest irradiation rate (50 kr). From the results it could be concluded that increasing the radiation rate can inhibit the growth in terms of height and lower the percent germination by inducing mutation. As the exposure of the corn seeds to gamma radiation increases, the more it reduces the corn’s potential for optimum growth and development.
INTRODUCTION
Mutation is defined as the change in the DNA sequence of a gene in an organism that is essentially heritable and permanent. It occurs when the genetic message carried by the gene is altered or damaged (Mendioro et al., 2010). Mutation can either be spontaneous or induced.
One way to induce mutation is through the use of mutagens. Mutagens are natural or human made agents (chemical or physical) which can alter the DNA sequence structure of organisms. Examples of mutagens include different types of chemicals and radiation.
The use of gamma rays, a type of radiation classified under the ionizing radiations, is commonly used in various experiments in
On the Growth of Zea mays1
Milanie Joy S. Baradi
BIO 30 Section S-1L
October 10, 2011
____________________ 1A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Biology 30 laboratory under Professor Neilyn O. Villa, 1st semester, 2011-2012. ABSTRACT To determine the effects of gamma radiation in inducing mutation on the growth of corn (Zea mays), an experiment using corn seeds exposed in to different rate of radiation (0kr, 10 kr, 30 kr, and 50 kr) was done. Four treatments were prepared using 10 seeds from each of the following different radiation rates. The seeds were planted and were observed for seven weeks. The percent germination and mortality rate, as well as the height (in cm) were obtained. Results showed that the control obtained the highest germination rate and average plant height while the lowest was obtained by the treatment which used the highest irradiation rate (50 kr). From the results it could be concluded that increasing the radiation rate can inhibit the growth in terms of height and lower the percent germination by inducing mutation. As the exposure of the corn seeds to gamma radiation increases, the more it reduces the corn’s potential for optimum growth and development.
INTRODUCTION
Mutation is defined as the change in the DNA sequence of a gene in an organism that is essentially heritable and permanent. It occurs when the genetic message carried by the gene is altered or damaged (Mendioro et al., 2010). Mutation can either be spontaneous or induced.
One way to induce mutation is through the use of mutagens. Mutagens are natural or human made agents (chemical or physical) which can alter the DNA sequence structure of organisms. Examples of mutagens include different types of chemicals and radiation.
The use of gamma rays, a type of radiation classified under the ionizing radiations, is commonly used in various experiments in
Cited: Mendioro, Merlyn S., Rita P. Laude, Adelina A. Barrion, Ma. Genaleen Q. Diaz, Joel C. Mendoza and Dolores A. Ramirez. 2010. Genetics (A Laboratory Manual). 12th ed. San Pablo City, Laguna: 101 pp. Stoeva, N. and Z. Bineva. 2001. Physiological response of beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) to gamma-radiation contamination I. Growth, photosynthesis rate andcontents of plastid pigments. J. Env. Prot. Eco., 2: 299-303. Woodstock, L.W. and M.F. Combs. 1965. Effects of Gamma Irradiation of corn Seed on the Respiration and growth of the Seedlings. American Journal of Botany 52(6): 563-569 pp. Xiuzher, L. 1994. Effect of Irradiation on Protein Content of Wheat Crop. China: 15, 53- 55 pp.