[Mutagenic effects of direct electric current].

Mutagenic effect of direct electric current on sprouts of Vicia faba L. was detected. The effect manifested itself in increase in percentage of cells with chromosome aberrations in root meristem. The most considerable injuries are observed when root meristem contacts with the positive electrode during current passing. Typical peculiarity of mutagenic effect of current is appearance of dicentrics which exceed the control value 4 times. By the end of the first mitotic cycle, gradual reduction of percentage of injured cells, reaching the control value, is observed.