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Low‐level, magnetic‐field‐induced growth modification of Bacillus subtilis
Author(s) -
Ramon Ceon,
Martin J. T.,
Powell M. R.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.2250080306
Subject(s) - bacillus subtilis , scanning electron microscope , magnetic field , biophysics , bacillaceae , electron microscope , mutant , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , bacteria , optics , biochemistry , physics , genetics , quantum mechanics , gene
Experimental studies showed an increase in the growth of Bacillus subtilis mutant strain FJ7 above controls by exposing the bacterial culture to 800‐Hz or 1‐KHz magnetic fields with a 2‐s‐on /2‐s‐off period. The magnetic field strength was between 0.8 and 2. 5 mT. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the morphology of controls to grow in a macrofiber of right‐handed helix formation. In contrast, the field‐exposed group showed little to no cohesion; the cells appeared to be homogeneously distributed throughout the sample. These results suggest that growth patterns of Bacillus subtilis can be altered as a result of magnetic‐field‐induced effects.