EFFECTS OF STATIC MAGNETIC FIELD ON Escherichia coli MUTATION

Abstract

The effects of a dipolar static magnetic field of strength 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 Gauss were prepared locally, on the ultra-structure of E. coli type 1 bacterium cells have been studied. Equal volumes of liquid culture media were exposed to the magnetic field for different periods, the three most effective periods, namely: 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs were chosen for all our experimental studies. After API kit test of treated E. coli culture media as control group. Results indicated that exposure of the microorganisms to the demonstrated magnetic field caused pronounced changes in the Arginine dihydrolase (ADH), Citrate utilization (CIT) and Gelatinase (GEL) were observed on the cell growth. Besides, changes in the morphology of the E. coli colonies were observed after exposure period and subculture on MacConkey agar. Furthermore, the bacterial growth subculture tested for morphological and biological activity, the results suggested that a mutation occurred in bacterial cells.

Keywords

• magnetic field
• optical density
• e coli
• mutation