title: [Effects of heavy metal on Astragalus membranaceus seeds germination and physiological target].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effects of heavy metals on germination and antioxidant systems of the seeds of Astragalus membranaceus.
  
  
  METHODS
  The seeds were treated with three different heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd) and the germination rate, germination energy, germination index, seedling root length, seedling fresh weight, soluble protein, antioxidant enzyme systems, electrical conductivity were detected and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicated that all of the three kinds of heavy metals had a significant effect on the seed germination index at different levels of concentrations except germinating ability. Different kinds of heavy metals could also enhance the vitality of POD and CAT, increase the electrical conductivity and the concentration of soluble protein.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It can be concluded that heavy metals have a significant effect on the growth and antioxidant system of the seed.
authors: Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China.
authors: Guang
authors: G
authors: Yang
authors: Dan
authors: D
authors: Qian
authors: Lanpin
authors: L
authors: Guo
authors: Min
authors: M
authors: Chen
authors: Luqi
authors: L
authors: Huang
authors: Xiaoli
authors: X
authors: Han
authors: Jie
authors: J
authors: Zhou
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D027885:Astragalus propinquus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D010940:Plant Proteins