The Effect of MgCl2 on Planaria Regeneration

Overview

My project investigates the effects of magnesium chloride (hexahydrate) on the regeneration speeds of planaria, a low-level invertebrate flatworm. Planaria are well known for their exceptional regeneration, able to grow oneself after being cut in half with a knife or even in tiny fragments. Magnesium chloride is found to support cellular function, relax muscles, prevent inflammation, and aid in tissue repair. Due to the compound effects, I hypothesized that varying concentrations would result in different regeneration rates in planaria. In this experiment, each planaria was safely cut in half and the tail parts were measured over time to record differences in growth and behavior. Four groups of 10 were tested, with a control group in spring water, and experimental groups with 5, 10, and 20 mM magnesium chloride hexahydrate concentrations. They are all subject to identical environmental conditions, and data is recorded daily. The same procedures are used for all planaria for consistency. Also, the solutions were replaced halfway through the experiment in case of contamination or any other influences. The planaria are submerged during the entire experiment and are not subject to dehydration nor light exposure. Key points during the experiment are when eye spots or the entire head for these planaria form. The specimens were not fed before and during the experiment to not cause margins of error. Results showed that the 5 mM and 10 mM magnesium chloride groups regenerated faster on average than the control group, with earlier eye spot appearance and shorter average time to head regeneration, while the 20 mM group showed delayed or more variable regeneration. The 10 mM group produced the fastest overall regeneration trend, suggesting an optimal mid-range concentration, whereas higher concentration appeared to slow recovery. ANOVA analysis showed a statistically significant difference among the four groups (F ≈ 4.85, p ≈ 0.007), indicating that magnesium chloride concentration had a measurable effect on regeneration speed. As a final note, this experiment aims to provide some insight on how magnesium chloride can affect cellular/tissue repair at different concentrations.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Zoology (Senior Division) · Entry S-20-09

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