The two Noccaea species-Noccaea praecox originating from Mežica, Slovenia (Me) (Pb, Zn, Cd pollution) and Noccaea caerulescens from Redlschlag, Austria (Re) (high levels of Ni, Cr, Mg)-were studied to compare Cd accumulation and tolerance. After 120 days of plant cultivation in Cd-contaminated soil (90 mg Cd kg(-1) soil), gas-exchange parameters (e.g. net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration), fatty acids, and selected macro- and microelements were determined in addition to N utilization by plants. The comparison between ecotypes showed that Cd stress resulted in similar changes in gas-exchange parameters. Contrasting responses of plants to Cd contamination were confirmed by the macro- and microelement contents and fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Significantly higher accumulations of Cd and strong decreases in the levels of K, Ca, Na, and Fe were observed in the Me plants in contrast to the Re plants. The higher Re plant ability to take in some cations is a result of selective pressure due to contamination. Different ion uptake by plants affected the activities of metalloenzymes. Significant increases in the glutamic acid/proline ratio resulted from higher adaption of the Me in contrast to the Re plants.