The effect of Cd on H 2 O 2 production, peroxidase (POD) activity and root hair formation were analyzed in barley root. Cd causes a strong H 2 O 2 burst in the root region 0-6 mm behind the root tip. POD activity was activated in root tip and raised toward the root base in Cd treated roots. In situ analyses showed that both elevated H 2 O 2 production and POD activity are localized in the early metaxylem vascular bundles. Cd induces root hair formation in the region 2 to 4 mm behind the root tip that was not detected in control roots. These results suggest that Cd-induced root growth inhibition is at least partially the consequence of Cd-stimulated premature root development involving xylogenesis and root hair formation, which is correlated with shortening of root elongation zone and therefore with root growth reduction.
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