Tolerance mechanism of Triarrhena sacchariflora (Maxim.) Nakai. seedlings to lead and cadmium: Translocation, subcellular distribution, chemical forms and variations in leaf ultrastructure

Abstract

Hydroponic experiments were conducted to assess the accumulation, translocation, and chemical forms of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the roots, stems, and leaves of Triarrhena sacchariflora seedlings and the associated variation in leaf ultrastructure. The leaves and leaf ultrastructure showed no significant symptoms of toxicity with 0.05 mM Pb or 0.01 mM Cd exposure for 10d. Chlorosis and wilting were observed in leaves when the Pb and Cd concentration was higher than 0.1 and 0.05 mM in the medium, respectively, as demonstrated by severe ultrastructural modifications at higher concentration in the leaves, such as plasmolysis, cell wall detachment, chloroplast swelling, nuclear condensation, and even nuclear fragmentation. The Pb and Cd concentrations in the roots was significantly higher than those in the stems and leaves. This indicated low Pb and Cd translocation from the roots to the aboveground parts. Subcellular distribution analysis showed that the majority of Pb and Cd was bound to the cell wall, especially in the roots, indicating that the cell wall likely constitutes a crucial storage site for Pb and Cd. This mechanism decreases the translocation of Pb and Cd across membranes and is more effective than vacuolar compartmentation. The majority of Pb and Cd exited in form of insoluble Pb/Cd-pectate or -oxalate complexes in the plant. In conclusion, higher concentrations of Pb or Cd induced premature senescence. High Pb and Cd enrichment was observed in the roots, which decreased the translocation of Pb and Cd from the roots to the aboveground tissues. The immobilization of Pb or Cd by the cell wall is important for plant detoxification and can protect protoplasts from Pb or Cd toxicity. Pb and Cd mainly existed in insoluble Pb/Cd-phosphate or -oxalate complexes, exhibiting low activity and thereby limiting symplastic transport and suppressing toxicity.