Scrutinizing the Impact of Alternating Electromagnetic Fields on Molecular Features of the Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana

Authors: Sonja Michèle Schmidtpott, Saliba Danho, Vijay Kumar, Thorsten Seidel, Wolfgang Schöllhorn, Karl-Josef Dietz

Year: 2022 Apr 23

Category: Environmental Science

Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095144

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/9/5144

Abstract

Overview

Natural and anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are everywhere in our environment, impacting all biological organisms, including plants. The research focuses on the effects of alternating EMFs, similar to those emitted by battery chargers of electric cars, on Arabidopsis thaliana.

Findings

  • The study exposed Arabidopsis thaliana to alternating EMFs for 48 hours and noted substantial molecular alterations.
  • Assessment methods included photosynthetic performance, metabolite profiling, and RNA sequencing with qRT-PCR validation.
  • Significant differences were observed in photosynthetic parameters, indicating possible impacts on plant physiology.
  • Transcriptome analysis disclosed changes in transcript amounts with underrepresented gene ontology groups.
  • Metabolite profiling showed adjustments in the sizes of metabolite pools, suggesting metabolic readjustments.

Conclusion

EMF exposure significantly affects plant life at multiple levels including photosynthesis, transcriptome, and metabolome. It emphasizes the need for more comprehensive studies to understand the response mechanisms. Future studies should examine more challenging growth conditions and broader developmental stages.

EMF Arabidopsis thaliana plant biology photosynthesis RNA sequencing metabolite profiling environmental health
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