Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Growth and Germination of Corn (Zea mays L.

)1

Abigail R. Saballe
Sec. A-9L
May 23, 2016

A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Genetics laboratory

under Prof. Jae B. Rodriguez, 2nd sem., 2015-2016.

ABSTRACT
The effect of radiation was tested using corn seeds that were
irradiated with 0, 10, 30 and 50 krad doses and grown in prepared
plots for four weeks. The germination time, percent germination, and
average plant height were observed and analyzed. Results showed
that control and treatment exposed to 10 krad shoed 90%
germination. Ten krad treatment also gave the highest average height
of the corn plant of 33.22 cm while the control had an average height
of 29.30 cm. While treatment exposed to 30 kR and 50 kR resulted
to 50% and 0% germination, respectively. The average height of
group exposed to 30 krad and 50 krad obtained an average height of
20.89cm and 4.06 cm, respectively. Thus, ionizing radiation is not
necessarily harmful to corn plant. Certain amount offers the
possibility of inducing desired attributes and improved the breeding
and growth of the plant. However, ionizing radiation can also cause
chromosomal alterations such as inversions and deletions and has
been used extensively for inducing mutations. This alteration may
cause reduced seed germination, abnormality and increased
mortality.

INTRODUCTION

The growth and function of an organism is in great part controlled by genes. Mutations
can lead to changes in the structure of an encoded protein or decrease or complete loss in its
expression. Because a change in the DNA sequence affects all copies of the encoded protein,
mutations can be particularly destructive to a cell or organism. In contrast, any alterations in the
sequences of RNA or protein molecules that occur during their synthesis are less serious because
many copies of each RNA and protein are synthesized (Lodish, et. al., 2000).
Mutations may also take the form of insertions or deletions, they have one or two base
pairs within coding sequences have the greatest effect, because they will inevitably cause a frame
shift (only the addition of one or more three-base-pair codons will keep a protein approximately
intact). It can affect parts of a gene or whole groups of genes. At the largest level, whole
chromosomes or even whole copies of the genome can be affected by insertions or deletions. At
this high level, it is also possible to invert or translocate entire sections of a chromosome, and
chromosomes can even fuse or break apart. If a large number of genes are lost as a result of one
of these processes, then the consequences are usually very harmful (Loewe, 2008).
Zea mays or corn is one of the world's most important crop plants, boasting multibillion
dollar annual revenue. In addition to its agronomic importance, maize has been a keystone model
organism for basic research for nearly a century and is the most thoroughly researched genetic
system. Several attributes of the maize plant, including a vast collection of mutant stocks, large
heterochromatic chromosomes, extensive nucleotide diversity, and genic colinearity within
related grasses, have positioned this species as a centerpiece for genetic, cytogenetic, and
genomic research. As a model organism, maize is the subject of such far-ranging biological
3

investigations as plant domestication, genome evolution, developmental physiology, epigenetics,

pest resistance, heterosis, quantitative inheritance, and comparative genomics (Strable &
Scanlon, 2009).
According to Goodman (2010), radiation is simply a mechanism whereby energy passes
through space. It takes the form of an electromagnetic wave, with the frequency of the
electromagnetic wave determining its position in the electromagnetic spectrum. Low-frequency
waves such as radio waves lie at one end of the spectrum and high-energy, high-frequency Xrays/Gamma rays at the other end. This high-frequency, high-energy waves are termed ionizing
(as opposed to non-ionizing) radiation because they contain sufficient energy to displace an
electron from its orbit around a nucleus. The most important consequence of this displaced
electron on human tissue is the potential damage it can inflict on DNA, which may occur directly
or indirectly. Direct damage occurs when the displaced electron hits and breaks a DNA strand.
Indirect damage occurs when the electron reacts with a water molecule, creating a powerful
hydroxyl radical which then damages the cells DNA. A break affecting both strands of DNA
allows the potential for abnormal reconnection of the strands, which likely accounts for all the
adverse biological effects ionizing radiation has on humans.
Accumulated evidence in radiobiological studies has suggested DNA as the principle
target for the biologic effects of radiation. It is now well established that radiation produces a
wide spectrum of DNA lesions, which include damages to nucleotide bases, DNA single-strand
breaks and double-strand breaks (Valentin 2006).

The study aimed to determine the effect of increasing strength of radiation on plant
growth and determine if mutation caused by ionizing radiation is beneficial or harmful. The
specific objectives are:
1. to observe the effects of different doses of ionizing radiation in the growth of corn plant (Zea
mays) in terms of average height and percent germination
2. to analyze and explain the principles behind the effect of radiation in the growth of corn plant.
The study was conducted from April 15, 2016 to May 16, 2016 on Greenhouse of
Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baos, College, Laguna

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the effect of increasing the strength of radiation in plant growth, corn was
used as the model organism. Corn seeds were irradiated at varying doses of radiation 10 kR, 30
kR, and 50 kR with ten seeds per treatment. These pre-treated seeds were planted. The gamma
irradiated seeds along with the control (un-irradiated seeds) were sown on small plot. Four hills
were made in each plot where seeds will be planted. Seeds were planted 5cm apart on hill, with
each hill representing a specific treatment and the hills were labeled accordingly.
The effect of other factors such as nutrients, amount of sunlight, pH of the soil, and
others, are neglected since control group is present. The treatments were placed adjacent to each
other to receive the same amount of physical factors. The germination time and the percent
germination were taken note for four weeks.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Mutations are changes in the genetic sequence that causes variation and diversity among
organisms. These changes occur in many different levels and have wide range of consequences .
For mutations to affect an organism's descendants, they must occur in cells that produce the next
generation, and affect the hereditary material. Ultimately, the interplay between inherited
mutations and environmental pressures generates diversity among species.

DATE

April 15,
2016
April 18,
2016
April 20,
2016
April 22,
2016
April 25,
2016
April 27,
2016
April 29,2016
May 2,2016
May 4, 2016
May 6, 2016
May 9, 2016
May 11, 2016
May 13, 2016
May 16, 2016

0 krad
No. of Averag
plants
e
observe height
d
(cm)

10 krad
No. of Averag
plants
e
observe height
d
(cm)

30 krad
No. of Averag
plants
e
observe height
d
(cm)

50 krad
No. of Averag
plants
e
observe height
d
(cm)

1.79

2.93

2.75

10.0

10

11.3

6.6

2.0

11.17

10

12.9

8.6

18.36

10

21.18

13.3

3.45

24.33

10

26.32

16.69

5.90

25.09

10

27.11

18.98

6.45

9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9

25.31
28.64
32.42
36.02
38.79
49.72
52.6
56.0

10
10
10
10
10
10
9
9

27.54
32.91
35.5
42.25
46.6
54.15
60.04
64.33

6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5

19.20
22.22
17.48
17.06
23.4
35.83
43.08
47.2

2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

6.60
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

The mutation spectrum induced by radiation is different from those of spontaneous

mutations or mutations induced by ultraviolet light and chemical mutagens, the majority of the
latter being consequences of point mutations. Ionizing radiations can induce a wide spectrum of
mutations, from point mutations in single genes to absence of several genes (Bora, 1961).
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Table 1. Average height and number of plants survived of Zea mays treated with radiation for
four weeks.

Table 2. Seed germination of Zea mays treated with ionizing radiation for four weeks.

Table 1 show the average height and the number of plants observed that are treated with
different doses of radiation. The observation date was from April 15, 2016 to May 16, 2016 and
it was observed every other day. It can be observed that the height of the plant is increasing per
observation. But there are points that a plant will die along the experiment. While Table 2 shows
the average plant height in each treatment, and percent germination. The control group has 90%
germination, and average height of 29.30 centimeters (cm). Control group was not exposed to
any type of treatment. The presence of control group was to have a comparison with the treated
plants and to ensure that the physical factors such as amount of sunlight, pH of the soil, water,
and kind of soil would be negligible in evaluation the seed germination.
The plot treated with 10 krad had a total of 90% plant germination and an average height
of 33.22 cm. While the plot treated with 30 krad has a total of 50% germination and an average
height 20.89 cm. The 50 krads percent germination and average height were 0% and 4.06 cm
respectively.
60
50
40
30
Average Height

20
Average height (cm)

10
0

Time

Figure 1. Average height of the control group of Zea mays for every other day observation.

70
60
50
40
30
Average height

20

Average height (cm)

10
0

Time

Figure 2. Average height of the Zea mays exposed to 10 krad treatment observed every other day
for four weeks.
50
45
40
35
30
25
Average height

20
15

Average height (cm)

10
5
0

Time

Figure3. Average height of the Zea mays exposed to 30 krad treatment observed every other day
for four weeks.
9

10

7
6
5
4
3
Average height

Average height (cm)

1
0

Time

Figure 4. Average height of the Zea mays exposed to 50 krad treatment observed every other day
for four weeks.
100%
90%
80%
70%

Percent Germination

60%

0 krad

50%

10 krad
30 krad

40%

50 krad

30%
20%
10%
0%

Radiation Dose

Figure 5. Graphical representation of the percent germination of Zea mays after irradiated with
varying doses four weeks.
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The average height of plant per observation for four weeks was graphically represent and
shown in Figure 1 to Figure 4. It can be observe that the height of the corn plant is increasing per
observation. However, there are fluctuations due to the death of some corn plant. Figure 5 shows
the percent germination of the corn plant after exposing to varying doses of radiation for four
weeks. It shows that both control and plot with 10 krad had 90% germination, meaning that
among 10 seeds, 9 plants were able to survive until the last day of observation. While in 30 krad
and 50 krad treatments, 50% germination and 0% germination was observed respectively. Given
that the control group was not exposed to any treatment, it is expected to have higher percent
germination. The plot with 10 krad treatment had 9 plants survived until the last observation
date. This maybe explains that certain radiation can be taken by plants. Mutagenic agents, such
as radiation and certain chemicals, then can be used to induce mutations and generate genetic
variations from which desired mutants may be selected. Mutation induction has become a proven
way of creating variation within a crop variety. It offers the possibility of inducing desired
attributes that either cannot be found in nature or have been lost during evolution. Breeding for
improved plant cultivars is based on two principles: genetic variation and selection. Induced
mutagenesis has been practiced with great success in crop breeding programs in developing
countries since the 1930s (Ahloowalia, Maluszynski and Nichterlein, 2004). Gamma irradiation
was found to increase plant growth and development by inducing cytological, genetically,
biochemical, physiological and morphogenetic changes in cells and tissues depending on the
irradiation level (Sparrow, 1966).
However, the group exposed to 30 krad and 50 krad have lower average plant height and
percent germination. Only half of the initial sample survived in the 30 krad treatment until the
last observation date. While none of the corn plants exposed to 50 krad were able to survived
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until the last day of observation. This is because ionizing radiation can have adverse effect on
organisms. Ionizing radiation is known to cause chromosomal alterations such as inversions and
deletions and has been used extensively for inducing mutations. It can also cause chromosomal
aberrations, defined as visually observable changes in chromosome structure. Ionizing radiation
also causes growth reduction of organisms and some reproduction effects, including sterility,
reduction in reproduction rate, and occurrence of developmental abnormalities or reduction in
viability of offspring. It can also reduce seed germination and increased mortality, including both
acute lethality and long-term reduction in life span. Most evidence at the molecular level
indicated that the gene loss resulted from DNA deletions induced by radiation were the primary
events leading to mutagenic effects.
Mutations arise spontaneously at low frequency owing to the chemical instability of
purine and pyrimidine bases and to errors during DNA replication. Natural exposure of an
organism to certain environmental factors, such as ultraviolet light and chemical carcinogens
(e.g., aflatoxin B1), also can cause mutations. Mutations arising in response to such treatments
are referred to as induced mutations. Generally, chemical mutagens induce point mutations,
whereas ionizing radiation gives rise to large chromosomal abnormalities.
However, some sources of errors were observed during the experiment. One error is the
failure of the class to obtain the previous data from other section at the start of the experiment.
Only data from April 15, 2016 to May 16, 2016 was obtained, and the experiment time was
supposedly six weeks. Therefore, the data obtained were incomplete that may cause difference in
the mean and percent computed. Also physical factors might also affect the experiment, although
it is neglected in the observation. Also the control group and the 10 krad treated group may be
interchanged so the 10 krad obtained higher yield.
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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The effect of induced mutation by physical agent was determined by exposing corn seeds
to varying radiation doses. Four hills were made in a plot where 10 seeds exposed to 10 krad, 30
krad, 50 krad and unexposed doses. Seeds were planted 5 cm apart on a hill representing each
specific treatment. After four weeks, the germination time, percent germination and height were
analyzed.
After four weeks, result showed that both control set-up and the 10 krad treatment had
90% germination, while 30 krad and 50 krad have 50% and 0% germination respectively. The
average height of the control set-up was 29.30cm while the 10 krad, 30 krad and 50 krad
treatment had 33.22cm, 20.89cm, and 4.06cm average height respectively.
Mutations are changes in the genetic material that are heritable and permanent. The
control group of the experiment is expected to have the greater yield because it is not exposed to
any mutagenic factors. However, the high percent germination and growth of the corn plants
exposed to 10 krad dose can be taken by plants. Mutations can generate variations on crops. It
offers the possibility of inducing desired attributes that either cannot be found in nature or have
been lost during evolution. Breeding for improved plant cultivars is based on two principles:
genetic variation and selection.
Moreover, ionizing radiation is also harmful to organisms. Ionizing radiation is known to
cause chromosomal alterations such as inversions and deletions and has been used extensively
for inducing mutations. Molecules in living material (whether plant or animal) are complex and
large in size. Ionizing radiation can cause changes in plants by breaking up these complex
molecules. This may change the structure of the plant DNA, creating mutations or it might just

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kill the cell outright. The loss of a few cells has little effect on the growth of a plant. However,
when massive amounts of cells are killed, the plant may become stressed and grow slower or
even die. When DNA is mutated, the existing plant may not show any mutations itself but
mutations may show up in its offspring. You cannot predict what ionizing radiation will do to a
plant.
In addition, the researcher further recommends using more plant species in the next
experiment to widen the observation on the effect of ionizing radiation in plants. Also it is
recommended to have longer experimentation time to further observed the plants and mutation
effects. Lastly, further test is recommended. Biomass production, leaf area and number, and
photosynthesis rate can be measured to further explain the effects of ionizing radiation.
LITERATURE CITED
Ahloowalia, M. Maluszynski, K. Nichterlein. 2004. Global impact of mutation-derived varieties.
Euphytica. Volume 135, Issue 2, pp 187-204
Bora, K.C. 1961. Relative biological efficiencies of ionizing radiation on the induction of
cytogenetic effect in plants. In: Proceeding of the Symposium on the effect of ionizing
radiation on seed and their significance for crop improvement, pp. 345-357.
Goodman, T.R. 2010. Ionizing Radiation Effects and Their Risk to Humans. Connecticut: Yale
University School of Medicine.
Lodish,H. Berk, A. and Zipursky, SL. 2000. Molecular Cell Biology. 4 th edition. New York: W.
H. Freeman Company.
Loewe, L. 2008. Genetic mutation. Nature Education. Scotland: University of Edinburgh. P. 113.
Sparrow, A.H. 1966. Plant growth stimulation by ionizing radiation. In: Effect of low doses of
radiations on crop plants. Technical Reports series No. 40: 12-15.
Strable, J. and Scanlon, MJ. 2009. Maize (Zea mays): A model organism for basic and applied
research in plant biology. New York: Department of Plant Biology, Cornell University.
Valentin, J. 2006. Low-dose Extrapolation of Radiation-Related Cancer Risk. London.

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