Microwave Radiation Effects on Angiosperm Growth Johnny Daigle Central Catholic PJAS 2008

Angiosperms Most diverse type of plant Source of food and pharmaceuticals Humans have long experimented with attempts to improve/increase their growth

Radish Radishes are a type of angiosperm Radish is a edible root vegetable They are part of the Brassicaceae family Brassicaceae are an allocation of plants in the mustard family They can be used as a part of a homeopathic treatment for many ailments such as cancer, liver problems, and stomach aches

Spinach Mustard Spinach mustard is a type of angiosperm, also a member of the Brassicaceae family These plants are wonderful for containing important agricultural and horticultural crops They have many nutrients with powerful anti-viral, anti- bacterial, and anti-cancer activities

Microwave Ovens Microwave ovens produce electro magnetic radiation of the precise wavelength that excites water molecules This agitation of water molecules makes friction causing the water to heat up Because most foods have a fair amount of water in them, when microwaves heat up the water in the food, the food heats up Microwave radiation does not penetrate very deep into food The effects of microwaves on organisms are deadly

Purpose To discover how microwave radiation effects the growth and germination of two specific plants, spinach mustard and radishes.

Hypothesis Null hypothesis – The plants that are exposed to microwave radiation will not significantly vary in germination frequency or in growth from plants not exposed to microwave radiation Alternative hypothesis – The plants that are exposed to microwave radiation will differ from those not exposed to microwave radiation