Physio-Morphology and Proteomic Attitude of Ziziphus Spina-Christi in Copper-Contaminated Sites in Saudi Arabia: Is It a Candidate Bioremediator?

Abstract

: 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.

Effect of cadmium and lead on the morphology and protein profile of Calligonum comosum seeds

“…Hence, morphological and molecular analyses could enhance our understanding of how plants respond to HM toxicity and likewise reflect the potential of that plant's use as a phytoremediator. Plant molecular responses to metal pollution have been reported (Alotaibi et al, 2021); for example, protein responses to environmental variables. Some authors used proteomics (e.g., Ahsan et al, 2009;Lequeux et al, 2010;Hego et al, 2016), a powerful tool for describing protein responses in living organisms that reveals the variation in protein profiles at the cellular level of organelles under conditions of various environmental stresses, including HM stress in certain plant species.…”

“…Plant responses to HMs could be detected through augmented protein levels (Zhao and Chengcai, 2011;Sharmin et al, 2012). Recently, Alotaibi et al (2021) pointed out that HMs bind to the functional site in some bioactive compounds of the cell, leading to toxicity, as well as cellular imbalance, by altering the DNA, proteins, and some other vital cell components.…”