Abstract:

Objective  To study the influence of different pH environment on the Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans) culture and the evaluation of toxicity test. Methods  The growth and development of C. elegans was observed under different pH environment and the dynamic pH changes of NGM culture medium were monitored. Results  The reproduction rate of C. elegans was lower when cultured in acid medium and better in neutral medium, whereas the procreation was rarely seen in alkaline medium. The pH of medium gradually rose in the process of culture and there was a significant difference of the fatality rate among diverse pH in the toxicity test（χ²=31.344, Ｐ<0.001）. Conclusion  The neutrality condition was favorable to the growth and development of C. elegans and the pH of medium should be adjusted in the process of culture. The influence of pH should be considered in the evaluation of toxicity test.

Key words: Caenorhabditis elegans, pH, Culture, Influencing factor