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

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.

AI evidence extraction

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.

Suggested hubs

• other (0.35)
  Study involves applied electric fields affecting biological growth (plant roots) in microgravity; not clearly tied to common RF/ELF consumer or occupational hubs.

{
    "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": 0.7199999999999999733546474089962430298328399658203125,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "electric field",
        "microgravity",
        "root elongation",
        "growth inhibition",
        "root curvature",
        "gravitropism",
        "differential cell elongation"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "other",
            "weight": 0.34999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Study involves applied electric fields affecting biological growth (plant roots) in microgravity; not clearly tied to common RF/ELF consumer or occupational hubs."
        }
    ]
}

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