Radiocesium phytotoxicity to single cell and higher plants

Abstract

The chapter presents the results of investigations of transfer, accumulation, translocation of radiocesium and its influence on bioelectrical, vegetative, generative and growth processes in test plants from single cell to whole organism. The aim of our study was to investigate the entering of 137Cs into the hydrophytes and to determine the role of plant cell membrane as a barrier involved in penetration of radionuclides into the cellular compartments. Additionally, we investigated 137Cs effect to the Charophyta Nitellopsis obtusa cell membrane bioelectrical properties such as resting potential, K+ and Cl- channels activity. This research also determined and compared the toxic effects of 137Cs on seed germination, root (meristematic cells) and shoot (parenchyma cells) growth of Lepidium sativum L. as well as the genotoxic impact of this radionuclide to stamen hair cells (generative organ) of Tradescantia (clone 02). The impact of cesium toxicity to plants was evaluated using biological, genetic and electrophysiological methods.