Response of the pea roots defense systems to the two-element combinations of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb)

Acta Biochim Pol. 2014;61(1):23-8. Epub 2014 Mar 22.

Abstract

The presence of the single metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) induces ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and causes oxidative stress in plants. While applied in two-element combinations, trace metals impact organisms in a more complex way. To assess the resultant effect we treated the pea grown hydroponically with the trace metals in variants: CuPb, CuCd, CuZn, PbCd, ZnPb, ZnCd in concentrations of 25 µM for each metal ion. Abiotic stress inhibited root elongation growth, decreased biomass production, induced changes in root colour and morphology. It changed rate of ROS production, malondialdehyde content, increased activity and altered gene expression of defence enzymes (superoxide dysmutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Cadmium / pharmacology
  • Catalase / biosynthesis
  • Copper / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / drug effects
  • Lead / pharmacology
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Pisum sativum / drug effects
  • Pisum sativum / growth & development*
  • Plant Roots / drug effects
  • Plant Roots / growth & development*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Superoxide Dismutase / biosynthesis
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1
  • Zinc / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Cadmium
  • Lead
  • Copper
  • Catalase
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1
  • Zinc