Cadmium-induced oxidative damage and antioxidative defense mechanisms in Vigna mungo L.

ALICIA S. MOLINA, CARLOS NIEVAS, MARÍA VERÓNICA PÉREZ CHACA, FRANCISCO GARIBOTTO, ULISES GONZÁLEZ, SILVANA M. MARSÁ, CELINA LUNA, MARÍA SOFÍA GIMÉNEZ AND FANNY ZIRULNIK.

PLANT GROWTH REGULATION

Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008

Año: 2008 vol. 56 p. 285 - 295

0167-6903

Cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress andantioxidant defense mechanisms were analyzed in rootsand leaves of Vigna mungo L. Seeds were germinated inperlite-vermiculite and irrigated with Hoagland nutrientsolution. At day 6, seedlings were exposed to 40 lMCdunder semi-hydroponic conditions for a period of12 days. Growth anomalies and abnormal chromatincondensation were observed in Cd-treated plants, incomparison with control ones. Cd accumulation wasobserved in roots of treated plants. The analyses ofantioxidative defense and oxidative parameters in roots,stems and leaves showed different tissue-specificresponses. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacolperoxidase (GPx) activities and the level of lipidperoxidation (MDA content) decreased in roots. However,they increased in leaves. Catalase activity andchlorophyll content, on the other hand, decreased overexposure to Cd stress. Total glutathione, non-proteinthiols, reduced glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatinsincreased significantly, while oxidized glutathione(GSSG) decreased, as compared with control plants.The present data suggest that the presence of Cd in soiland water can cause oxidative damage that may bedetrimental for optimum production of nutritional mung.