Effect of Toxic Metals on the Multiple Forms of Esterases ofTriticum aestivumcv.Vergina

摘要

AbstractThe influence of increasing concentrations of copper, zinc, lead, nickel, chromium and cadmium on 14 day‐old seedlings ofTriticum aestivumcv.Verginawas studied. Plants were grown in 1/10 strength Rorison's nutrient solution plus increasing concentrations of each one of the toxic metals separately. Metal toxicity depressed shoot growth but the most evident symptoms were on roots.The effects of toxic metals on the isoesterases ofTriticum aestivumcv.Verginashoots were classified into three types, depending on the increase or decrease of the number and density of esterase bands compared to the control:1. Decreased number and density of bands caused by 20 ppm Cd, 8 ppm Ni and 60 ppm Zn.2. Constant number of bands but decreased intensities caused by 2 ppm Cu and 40 ppm Pb.3. Constant number of bands but increased intensities caused by 20 ppm Cr.These effects demonstrate the diverse modes of metal action resulting in different degrees of toxicit