Influence of Cellular Phone and Tower on Mitosis in Allium Cepa Model

摘要

An attempt is made to know cytological effects of a cell phone (mobile phone) and a cell phone tower on mitotically dividing root tip cells in Allium cepa protocol. Unexposed Allium cepa bulbs grown in the laboratory acted as control (Gr I). Second group of bulbs were exposed overnight to a cell phone (CP) in a room on the first floor of building (Gr II). In third group bulbs were placed on the open terrace, outside the room and exposed to cell phone tower (CPT) located on the roof of same room (Gr III). Medium for growing Allium cepa for roots was laboratory tap water. At the end of experimentations (96 hours) dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured in the medium of all groups. Every subsequent day temperature of the medium was recorded for Gr I and II. Morphology of root tips was observed, mean root length (MRL) was calculated. N-HCl acetocarmine squash preparations were made to observe mitosis, chromosomal aberration, micronuclei formation and disturbed mitosis. Mitotic index was also calculated. Results revealed no change in the temperature of the medium due to cell phone exposure. Dissolved oxygen increased following both exposures; more in tower exposure Gr III. No morphological changes could be detected in Gr I and II but in Gr III i.e tower exposure caused -blunt ended- tips which is an unusual observation. No aberrations, no micronuclei and no abnormal mitoses were seen in any group however, mean root length and mitotic index declined in Gr II and III; more in Gr III. Unusual mitosis could be seen in Gr III as most of the cells were seen arrested in -prophase- only; no other stages seen. At some places prophase nuclei were seen fused. It is concluded that CP and CPT lowers mitosis but CPT affects more severely. Genotoxicity not detected.