Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the phytotoxic effect of copper (Cu) and copper nanoparticles (CuONPs) and ameliorative potential of nitric oxide (NO) against these toxic materials in Sorghum vulgare Pers. seedlings. Data suggested that exposure of Cu and CuONPs significantly reduced growth, chlorophyll, carotenoids and protein in root and shoot, which coincided with increased Cu accumulation. However, addition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO) lowered Cu and CuONPs mediated toxicity through restricting Cu accumulation and improving photosynthetic pigments and total soluble protein contents. Data further suggested that exposure of Cu and CuONPs significantly increased hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), superoxide radicals (O2 •- ), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Enhanced level of oxidative stress severely inhibited the enzymatic activities of glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) but enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. However, addition of SNP positively regulated antioxidants enzymes activity, particularly the enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle to overcome Cu- and CuONPs-induced stress in Sorghum seedlings. Further, Cu and CuONPs enhanced accumulation of free proline through inducing Δ1 -pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) activity while lowering the proline dehydrogenase (PDH) activity. However, addition of SNP reversed these responses. Therefore, overall results revealed that SNP has enough potential of reducing the toxicity of Cu and CuONPs in Sorghum seedlings through regulation of proline metabolism and activity of enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. These findings can be employed in developing new resistant varieties of Sorghum having enhanced tolerance against Cu or CuONP stress and improved productivity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.