Proportionality of ELF electric field-induced growth inhibition to induced membrane potential in Zea mays and Vicia faba roots.

The postulate that 60-Hz electric field-induced bioeffect severity is proportional to induced transmembrane potential [Vmi] magnitude was tested and supported using a plant root model cell system. Statistically significant correlations were obtained upon regression of the relative rates of exposed Vicia faba and Zea mays root segment growth on the average Vmi (calculated) arising in those segments under specified 60 Hz field exposure conditions. The Vmi associated with the apparent threshold for growth inhibition was similar in Zea and Vicia roots (2.5 vs 2.4 mV, respectively). At Vmi greater than this threshold, Zea root growth declined by about 9% per mV, and Vicia root growth by about 19% per mV induced potential.