Effect of Irradiation on the Growth and Germination of the Corn (Zea mays)
Effect of Irradiation on the Growth and Germination of the Corn (Zea mays)¹
Mardocheo Yao Crispino
S- 5L
¹A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Biology 30 (Principles Of Genetics) laboratory under Mr. Jickerson P. Lado, 1st sem., 2013-2014.
ABSTRACT
The effect of irradiation on the growth and germination of the corn was determined by planting ten seeds per treatment with varying doses. Four hills representing the different treatments were made in which the seeds were planted five centimetres apart. The plant was observed from July 15 to September 16, 2013. Results showed that seeds treated with 10 kr radiation obtained the highest average height of 128.90 cm with 100 % germination and survival. The seeds treated with 50 kr radiation obtained 0% survival rate and the lowest germination rate (70%). Thus, irradiation of 10 kr induces mutation to the corn which will give the highest survival rate and germination of the seed while doses of radiation higher than 10 kr will inhibit its growth and decrease germination. Generally, irradiation has a negative effect on the growth and germination of the corn plant.
INTRODUCTION
Mutations occur when there is a change in the sequencing of nucleotides in the DNA of an individual that results to the production of new alleles (Campbell, Reece et al., 2009). These are the heritable and permanent changes in the genetic material of an organism. Mutation is one of the factors that produce genetic variation which makes evolution possible. Mutations can either be spontaneous which occurs without external agents or induced by physical or chemical agents. Induced mutations are caused by Mutagenic agents. Some of the common of mutagens are the chemical mutagens such as acenapthene, nitrous acid, and colchicines. Another is the Ionizing radiation which includes x-rays, beta and gamma rays from radioactive sources such as radium or cobalt-90. Other
Mardocheo Yao Crispino
S- 5L
¹A scientific paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Biology 30 (Principles Of Genetics) laboratory under Mr. Jickerson P. Lado, 1st sem., 2013-2014.
ABSTRACT
The effect of irradiation on the growth and germination of the corn was determined by planting ten seeds per treatment with varying doses. Four hills representing the different treatments were made in which the seeds were planted five centimetres apart. The plant was observed from July 15 to September 16, 2013. Results showed that seeds treated with 10 kr radiation obtained the highest average height of 128.90 cm with 100 % germination and survival. The seeds treated with 50 kr radiation obtained 0% survival rate and the lowest germination rate (70%). Thus, irradiation of 10 kr induces mutation to the corn which will give the highest survival rate and germination of the seed while doses of radiation higher than 10 kr will inhibit its growth and decrease germination. Generally, irradiation has a negative effect on the growth and germination of the corn plant.
INTRODUCTION
Mutations occur when there is a change in the sequencing of nucleotides in the DNA of an individual that results to the production of new alleles (Campbell, Reece et al., 2009). These are the heritable and permanent changes in the genetic material of an organism. Mutation is one of the factors that produce genetic variation which makes evolution possible. Mutations can either be spontaneous which occurs without external agents or induced by physical or chemical agents. Induced mutations are caused by Mutagenic agents. Some of the common of mutagens are the chemical mutagens such as acenapthene, nitrous acid, and colchicines. Another is the Ionizing radiation which includes x-rays, beta and gamma rays from radioactive sources such as radium or cobalt-90. Other
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