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Effects of Interaction Between Cadmium and Plumbum on Phytochelatins and Glutathione Production in Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)
Author(s) -
SUN Qin,
WANG XiaoRong,
DING ShiMing,
YUAN XinFang
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of integrative plant biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.734
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1744-7909
pISSN - 1672-9072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2005.00073.x
Subject(s) - glutathione , cadmium , phytochelatin , cadmium exposure , metal toxicity , chemistry , thiol , toxicity , metal , environmental chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , enzyme
Phytochelatins (PCs) may function as a potential biomarker for metal toxicity. However, less attention has been paid to the effects of metal interactions on the production of PCs and glutathione (GSH), the most prominent cellular thiol. In the present study, the effects of interactions between cadmium (Cd) and plumbum (Pb) on the production of PCs and GSH were monitored over a period of 14 d in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) tissues. The results showed that combination of Cd and Pb led to synergistic growth inhibition in wheat. Exposure to Cd or Pb increased levels of PCs in a concentration‐, tissue‐, and time‐dependent manner. Cadmium was more effective that Pb in increasing PCs production. Compared with the effects of Cd or Pb alone on the production of PCs, the combination of Cd and Pb acted synergistically, resulting in an enhanced production of PCs. Cadmium also stimulated GSH production in a concentration‐, tissue‐, and time‐dependent manner. However, Pb had no obvious effects on GSH levels. The combination of Pb and Cd antagonized GSH production over the course of the growth period. The results of the present study suggest that metal interactions should be considered in the application of PCs and GSH as potential biomarkers for the evaluation of metal toxicity. (Managing editor: Ping HE)