Journal of Environmental Biology

Studies on antioxidative enzymes induced by cadmium

in pea plants (Pisum sativum)

Author Details

Nalini Pandey

(Corresponding author)

Botany Department, University of Lucknow, Lucknow - 226 007, India

e-mail: nalini pandey @rediffmail.com

Gaurav Kumar Singh

Botany Department, University of Lucknow, Lucknow - 226 007, India

Publication Data

Paper received:

12 August 2010

Revised received:

24 January 2011

Accepted:

16 February 2011

Abstract

Pea plants (Pisum sativum cv. Swati) exposed to different concentration of cadmium (50, 100, 200 µM Cd) under controlled glass house conditions were quantified for different physiological parameters and antioxidative enzymes. In pea plants, Cd produced a significant inhibition of growth and induced chlorosis, marginal yellowing and necrosis in young leaves, the effect being most pronounced at 200 µM Cd supply. An alteration in the activated oxygen metabolism of pea plants were also detected as evidenced by an increase in concentration of  H₂O₂ and TBARS along with decrease in the chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration in leaves. Cadmium toxicity induced an increase in non - protein thiol, ascorbate, proline and cysteine concentration. A significant increment in the activity of SOD, APX and GR, and a decrease in CAT was observed as a result of Cd treatment. The enhanced activity of SOD and inhibition of CAT and POD produces a high build up of H₂O₂ which appears to be the main cause of oxidative stress due to Cd toxicity in pea plants.

Key words

Cadmium, Antioxidative enzymes, Oxidative stress, Pisum sativum

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