Cellular changes, accumulation pattern and intracellular localization of Cd, Pb and Zn in Festuca rubra L. cv. Merlin (red fescue) and Ocimum sanctum l. (Holy Basil)

Abstract

The tolerance of Festuca rubra cv. Merlin and Ocimum sanctum to elevated levels of Cd, Pb and Zn was evaluated. The metals, in general, reduced the mitotic index in both species. However, the nuclear, cell and cytoplasmic areas, and the DNA and protein densities were less affected by the metals in Festuca. The roots of Festuca accumulated higher metal concentration than its shoots, while an opposite pattern was observed in Ocimum. Festuca exhibited greater tolerance than Ocimum to the metals; hence, further tolerance study was conducted on the former. Electromicrographs of root meristem sections in Festuca revealed the presence of electron-dense granules in either the cell wall fractions or cytoplasm. The X-ray microanalysis of the granules showed elevated peaks of Pb in the cell walls, high peak of Zn in the cytoplasm, and Cd peaks in both cell and cytoplasm. Our results suggest that metal accumulation in the root, cell wall binding, and cytoplasmic compartmentation are some strategies by which Festuca tolerates high concentration of the toxic metal. In addition, cellular characters, DNA and protein contents could possibly be used as indicators of metal tolerance.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

2024-05-01

Document Type

Article

Subject

Compartmentation, DNA content, Meristem, Mitotic index, Protein content, Root

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