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Magneto-Priming: A Novel Technique Towards Improved Seed Germinability

5.3 UNDERLYING MECHANISMS OF MAGNETO-PRIMING

Various biochemical traits remain on the basis of the regulation of plant

growth and development. The magnetic field would possibly alter these

biochemical processes such as activities of several enzymes, ion flux across

the plasma membrane, production of secondary metabolites or growth regu­

lators and their transportations, etc., and thereby it would play an essential

function in the regulation of plant growth and development (Leelapriya et al.,

2003). It is thought that a combination of range, pitch, and higher frequency

of non-uniform magnetic field would generate the so-called ‘ponderomo­

tive force’ which subsequently affects biological systems (Balcavage et al.,

1996; De Souza et al., 2006). It is assumed that positive influences of the

magnetic field resulting from this ‘ponderomotive force’ that triggers auxin

action and subsequently it results in increasing cell wall extensibility, altered

ion transport across the cell membrane, or the regulation of a varied set of

developmental processes through alterations in cell division, cell elongation,

cell differentiation, as well as cell or organ polarity. Another thought indicates

that an increase in the activities of certain enzymes would be the reason for

biological effects under magnetic treatments. Since the Earth’s geomagnetic

field can alter the activities of important enzymes like Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent

PDEs (Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases) that play an important role in

between the cyclic nucleotides and Ca²⁺ mediated second messenger system.

Further, it would also change the activity of cytochrome C oxidase, a key

enzyme that participates in ATP synthesis through the redox reactions in mito­

chondria or initiates program cell death on receiving apoptotic stimulus (Liboff

et al., 2003; Nossol et al., 1993). It has also been evident that a magnetic field

of 0.2 and 0.3 μT can positively stimulate Na⁺ and K⁺-ATPase activity (Blank

& Soo, 1996). Further, the magnetic field of 30 mT causes enhancement of

the esterase activity in wheat and MF 1 mT increases peroxidase activity in

horseradish (Aksenov et al., 2000; Portaccio et al., 2005).

Alteration in the cell membrane ultrastructure leading to increased

cellular permeability enhanced water flow through vascular tissues and

transportation of ions through ion channels are supposed to be important

behind the changes in the metabolic pathways under magnetic exposure

(Bondarenko et al., 1996; Jamil & Ahmad, 2012). The increase in cellular

permeability would then result in rapid imbibition of water and subsequently,

it leads to de novo synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes. Hydrolytic enzymes like

α-amylase are an endohydrolase that liberates smaller glucans by cleaving

the α-1, 4-linkages between glucosyl residues. On the other hand, protease