Physiological, anatomical and phenotypical effects of a cadmium stress in different-aged chlorophyllian organs of Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC (Haloragaceae)

Plant Ageing, a Counteracting Agent to Xenobiotic Stress

“…It should be noted that in another aquatic macrophyte, Lemna minor, the frond abscission could be used to test water toxicity induced by metal and other compounds (Henke et al, 2011). Our previous data (Delmail et al, 2011d) suggest that as in terrestrial plants a similar excretion strategy could occur in aquatic plants. Indeed, Myriophyllum alterniflorum old leaves are much more affected by heavy-metal pollution than younger ones.…”

“…Among such antioxidants, the most important are the scavengers mainly constituted with -tocopherol (or vitamin E) and carotenoids ( -caroten, xantophylls) (Figs. 2 and 3) (Delmail et al, 2011c(Delmail et al, , 2011d. Considering all these elements, the reactive oxygen species are considered as phytotoxic compounds.…”

“…Indeed, morphological structures as non-glandular trichomes which are not implied in any physiological process, could store many xenobiotics. Moreover, potentially abscised organs as mature leaves are used to eliminate toxics from the living parts to protect the young organs from any disturbance of the photosynthetic pathways (Delmail et al, 2011c(Delmail et al, , 2011d. This chapter will focus on xenobiotics having anthropogenic origins and will address organic and inorganic xenobiotics.…”

“…Reactive oxygen species which initiate the oxidation are produced through several mechanisms in all cell compartments (Delmail et al, 2009;Thompson et al, 1987). Some reactive oxygen species are less deleterious to the plant cell than others but they can act as initiator of the production of more toxic compounds (Delmail et al, 2011c(Delmail et al, , 2011d.…”

HPLC method for the analysis of α-tocopherol from Myriophyllum alterniflorum

“…This hydrophyte can tolerate environmental stress such as heavy metals [1] because of its antioxidative system, which includes antioxidants such as D-tocopherol, carotenoids, and proline. These compounds can interact with free radicals (e.g., reactive oxygen species), preventing the initiation of potentially lethal process such as lipoperoxidation and subsequent membrane disorganization [2].The vitamin E molecule, which is composed of a phytol side chain and a chromanol ring, may be incorporated into biological membranes, thus contributing to their physical stability [3]. The pharmacological action of D-tocopherol is not only as a natural antioxidant but also as a preventive against cancer [4].…”