Growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments in leaf segments of Zea mays exposed to cadmium, as related to protection mechanisms

• Published in: Journal of plant physiology Vol. 162; no. 9; pp. 1013 - 1021
• Main Authors: Drazkiewicz, M, Baszynski, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Jena Elsevier GmbH 01.09.2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cadmium; Cadmium Compounds - pharmacology; carotenoids; Carotenoids - metabolism; chlorophyll; Chlorophyll - metabolism; Chloroplastic pigments; corn; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; glutathione; Glutathione - metabolism; grain crops; Growth parameters; heavy metals; leaves; Metabolism; Metalloproteins - metabolism; Photosynthesis; Photosynthesis, respiration. Anabolism, catabolism; Phytochelatins; Pigments, Biological - metabolism; plant age; plant biochemistry; plant growth; Plant Leaves - drug effects; Plant Leaves - physiology; Plant physiology and development; plant pigments; Plant Roots - drug effects; Plant Roots - growth & development; Plant Shoots - drug effects; Plant Shoots - growth & development; Protection mechanisms; seedlings; Sulfates - pharmacology; Time Factors; toxic substances; Zea mays; Zea mays - drug effects; Zea mays - physiology; Zea mays L; Cadmium; PCs; x+ c; carotenoids; Growth parameters; Chl; FM; DM; Protection mechanisms; ROS; Chloroplastic pigments; PPFD; GSH; Zea mays L; Chlorophyll; Monocotyledones; Zea mays; Growth; Plant leaf; Gramineae; Angiospermae; Spermatophyta; Photosynthesis; Carotenoid
• ISSN: 0176-1617; 1618-1328
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2004.10.010

The influence of cadmium on growth parameters and photosynthetic pigment content was studied in maize leaf segments differing in tissue maturity. Experiments were carried out with maize seedlings Zea mays L. cv. Hidosil treated with 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μM Cd for 14 days under low light conditions. Tissue age-dependent decrease of fresh mass, dry mass and area of the leaf segments was correlated with Cd concentration in the growth medium. Cd induced changes in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and the specific areas and densities of the leaf segments were dependent on age and metal concentration. Results are discussed with respect to the protection mechanisms in the leaf segments.