title: Growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments in leaf segments of Zea mays exposed to cadmium, as related to protection mechanisms.
abstract: 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 microM 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Physiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland. mdrazki@biotop.umcs.lublin.pl
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drazkiewicz
authors.forename: Tadeusz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Baszyński
mesh_terms: D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000378:metabolism; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D008667:Metalloproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010788:Photosynthesis; D054811:Phytochelatins; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000378:metabolism*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D013431:Sulfates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D008667:Metalloproteins; D010860:Pigments, Biological; D013431:Sulfates; D002734:Chlorophyll; D002338:Carotenoids; C037123:cadmium sulfate; D054811:Phytochelatins; D005978:Glutathione