Cadmium Accumulation in Marsilea minuta Linn. and Its Antioxidative Responses

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the extent of cadmium (Cd) accumulation with its possible impact on physiological and biochemical basis of heavy metal tolerance in Marsilea minuta Linn. Cd salt (0 μM, 50 μM and 100 μM) was allowed to absorb by the plants for prolong days in hydroponic culture and a significant deterioration of the plant biomass was recorded. However, roots absorbed more metals than the leaves. Plants recorded a significant rise of superoxide (O-2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A noticeable amount of protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation were in proportionate to Cd accumulation. Anthocyanin and flavonoid content were decreased as compared to control condition. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) contributed their antioxidative functions according to the Cd doses. The expression of GR was also evident from its activity staining in gel. So, it may suggest that antioxidative enzymes are up regulated and likely to be responsible for tolerance to Cd induced oxidative stress in Marsilea minuta Linn.