Mitogenetic Rays

Mitogenetic rays are hypothetical rays that are supposedly capable of stimulating cell division (mitosis). The term was coined in the early 20th century by Russian historian Alexander Gurvich based on his experiments with plants.

Gurvich proposed that all living cells emit weak electromagnetic waves in the ultraviolet range, which he called “mitogenetic rays.” In his opinion, these rays regulate the processes of cell division and differentiation. Gurvich conducted experiments on irradiating plant and animal tissues with ultraviolet light and observed an increase in the rate of cell division.

However, later many scientists were unable to reproduce Gurvich’s results. The very existence of mitogenetic rays has never been scientifically confirmed. Today, most biologists consider this hypothesis to be erroneous. Nevertheless, Gurvich's ideas had some influence on the development of cell biology and the study of the mechanisms of regulation of cell division.