No evidence of cellular alterations by MilliTesla-level static and 50 Hz magnetic fields on S. cerevisiae
M J Ruiz-Gómez1, E Ristori-Bogajo, M I Prieto-Barcia
1Laboratory of Radiobiology, Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Malaga, Teatinos s/n, Malaga, Spain. mjrg@uma.es
Abstract:
In an attempt to determine whether magnetic field (MF) exposures might induce cellular alterations, S. cerevisiae yeast cells were exposed to static or sinusoidal 50 Hz homogeneous MF (0.35 mT, 1.4 mT, and 2.45 mT) for 1 h and 72 h. Unsynchronized cells grown exponentially while exposed to MF, containing cells in all stages of the mitotic cell cycle. MF was generated by a pair of Helmholtz coils (40 cm in diameter, coaxial, separated by 20 cm). Survival, cell cycle distribution, colony forming ability, and mutation frequency were assayed. No differences in the above-mentioned parameters were observed in MF exposed samples in relation to unexposed controls, suggesting that homogeneous MF at these intensities do not produce appreciable cellular alterations in this organism under typical in vitro growth conditions.
Insights
This study found that exposing yeast cells to magnetic fields (MF) did not cause significant cellular changes. Assays for survival, cell cycle, and mutations showed no differences compared to controls, indicating MF safety under these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Electromagnetism
Background:
- Investigating the biological effects of magnetic fields (MF) is crucial for understanding potential health impacts.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding cellular responses to MF exposure.
- Standardized experimental conditions are needed to assess MF effects on biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if magnetic field (MF) exposure induces cellular alterations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- To evaluate the impact of static and sinusoidal 50 Hz MF on yeast cell survival, cell cycle, colony formation, and mutation frequency.
Main Methods:
- Exposed yeast cells (S. cerevisiae) to static or sinusoidal 50 Hz homogeneous MF (0.35, 1.4, 2.45 mT) for 1 and 72 hours.
- Utilized Helmholtz coils for MF generation, ensuring homogeneous field conditions.
- Assayed cell survival, cell cycle distribution, colony-forming ability, and mutation frequency.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in survival rates between MF-exposed and control yeast cells.
- Cell cycle distribution remained unaffected by MF exposure across all tested intensities and durations.
- Colony-forming ability and mutation frequency showed no statistically significant changes in MF-exposed samples compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Homogeneous magnetic fields at the tested intensities (up to 2.45 mT) do not induce appreciable cellular alterations in S. cerevisiae.
- These findings suggest that MF exposure under typical in vitro growth conditions is safe for this organism.
- Further research may explore different MF parameters or cell types to fully elucidate MF bioeffects.
