The Effects of Fagus Sylvatica Leaf Extract on the Growth Rate of Tetrahymena: A Concentration-Dependent Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of various concentrations of Fagus sylvatica leaf extract on the growth rate of Tetrahymena. Four concentrations of leaf extract (0 mg/mL, 0.6 mg/mL, 1.2 mg/mL, and 1.8 mg/mL) were tested, which were achieved by adding 5 mL of leaf extract at the specified concentrations and 5 mL of diluted Tetrahymena stock, giving a final volume of 10 mL for each treatment. Each concentration had three replicates to ensure reliability. A hemocytometer was used to count cells every three hours for three days, and the average change in cell concentration per day was calculated. The results indicated a decreasing trend in the Tetrahymena growth rate as the concentration of leaf extract increased, with average changes per day of 1.5155 for 0 mg/mL, 1.5084 for 0.6 mg/mL, 1.4815 for 1.2 mg/mL, and 1.4495 for 1.8 mg/mL. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in growth rates among the concentrations (ANOVA, p = 0.0271). Pairwise comparisons using the Tukey HSD test identified a significant difference between the 0 mg/mL and 1.8 mg/mL concentrations (p = 0.0298). These findings demonstrate a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of the leaf extract, with higher concentrations resulting in reduced growth rates. Further research is needed to confirm these results and explore the effects of higher extract concentrations and different experimental conditions to better understand the potential mechanisms underlying this inhibitory effect.