Thiol peptides induction in the seagrass Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex König) in response to cadmium exposure.
Trace metal accumulation and thiol compounds synthesis as induced by cadmium exposure was studied in the seagrass Thalassia testudinum. Shoots were exposed for 24, 48, 96 and 144 h to several CdCl(2) concentrations (0, 30, 50 and 70 microM). Levels of cadmium, cysteine, glutathione (GSH), gamma-glutamylcysteine (gamma-EC), and phytochelatin-like peptides were determined in green blades, live sheaths and root/rhizomes tissues. Metal accumulation was dependent on Cd concentration and type of tissue, with green blades showing the highest content followed by live sheaths and root/rhizomes. All tissues experienced an increase in thiol-containing compounds as a response to cadmium exposure. Live sheaths showed the highest levels of cysteine, GSH and gamma-EC. This is the first report of induction of thiol peptides, presumably phytochelatins, by a trace metal in a sea grass species.
Alvarez-Legorreta
Teresa
T
Departamento de Recursos del Mar, CINVESTAV-IPN, Unidad Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
Mendoza-Cozatl
David
D
Moreno-Sanchez
Rafael
R
Gold-Bouchot
Gerardo
G
D019256:Cadmium Chloride / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D031321:Hydrocharitaceae / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000737:chemistry; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*
D010940:Plant Proteins; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D019256:Cadmium Chloride