The present investigation aimed to assess the impact of copper (Cu) stress on the physiological and proteomic behavior of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. E. camaldulensis is likely a potential phytoremediator in areas vulnerable to Cu contamination, such as the industrial areas of Riyadh. To realize this objective, young seedlings of E. camaldulensis were potted in an open area with soil comprised of clay and sand. Different doses of Cu (30, 50, and 100 µM) were applied to the plants as CuSO4.5H2O for 6 weeks. Plant growth was monitored during the Cu exposure period, and morphological and physiological indicators were measured once a week to determine the growth rates. A proteomics study was also conducted to find out the influence of Cu stress on proteins. Our results showed that growth was negatively affected by Cu treatment, particularly at the highest concentrations. Moreover, using a proteomic analysis showed 26 targets involved in protein expression, which were separated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). Elevated levels of Cu increased the expression of 11 proteins and decreased the expression of 15 proteins. Changes were detected in proteins involved in photosynthesis, translation, transcription, metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes. Our findings provided insights into the molecular mechanisms related to Cu stress, in addition to its influence on the morphological and physiological attributes of E. camaldulensis seedlings. This investigation aimed to characterize the mechanism behind the impact of Cu stress on the plant.
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The current study was undertaken with a major goal of evaluating the influence of the heavy metal copper (Cu) on growth
and physiology as well as the proteomic status of Ziziphus spina-christi. We set a hypothesis that Z. spina-christi could be a potent
phytoremediator in Cu-polluted environments and the industrial area of Riyadh was chosen as a model of contaminated sites. To address our goal, young Z. spina-christi plants were maintained in pots filled with soil comprised of sand and clay in an open area. Cu
treatments were performed by subjecting young Z. spina-christi seedlings to different copper treatments [0 - 100 µM] which was supplied to the plants in the form of hydrated copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) and the treatment period lasted 45 days. To monitor plant
growth during Cu exposure period, measurements of some morphological and physiological variables were taken regularly every
week and the growth rates were determined. Results from proteomics showed 16 proteins participated in expression, 10 proteins
showed up regulations and other six showed down regulation. Such expressed proteins are involved in plant photosynthesis process,
metabolism, antioxidant enzymes as well as those associated with plant defense response and signal transduction. The study outcomes
offered understandings of the molecular systems linked to Cu stress condition, in addition to Cu effect on Z. spina-christi seedlings
morphology and physiology. Regarding phytoremediation potential we recommend that, future experiments should be conducted on
Z. spina-christi at different developmental stages to better view its Cu accumulative power.
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