Screening of damage induced by lead (Pb) in rye (Secale cereale L.) – a genetic and physiological approach

Abstract

The fields in which lead (Pb) finds application in the modern world have increased dramatically in recent years. As a consequence of this intensive utilization of Pb, its toxicity tends to pose more and more environmental problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of Pb and to characterize some physiological parameters in Secale cereale under Pb stress. Plants were subjected to different exposure levels of Pb (0, 100, 200 and 400 mmol/L) for two weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the effects of Pb exposure on the photosynthetic pigments content (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b and carotenoids) and genetic material of S. cereale were studied. To evaluate the genotoxic effect of Pb, random amplified polymorphic DNA À polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was employed. The obtained results showed alteration in the photosynthetic pigments content and RAPD-PCR profiles of S. cereale grown in the presence of Pb. The alterations in the RAPD-PCR profiles following Pb treatments appeared to be losses of normal bands and occurrences of new bands compared to unexposed plantlets. Overall, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids decreased by 6.68%, 6.08%, 2.89% and 8.57%, respectively, under severe Pb stress (400 mmol/L).

Using the Turkish Red Pine Tree to Monitor Heavy Metal Pollution

“…Heavy metal-related environmental pollution, particularly following industrial revolution, have caused grave ecological problems [10]. Once incorporated into biological systems, heavy metals are accumulated to a certain point, and excess levels lead to the toxicity resulting in various symptoms or even loss of viability [11,12]. Therefore, it is necessary to take measurements on a regular basis for determining the level of environmental pollution, especially for people living in crowded cities.…”

Negative Effects on Photosynthesis and Chloroplast Pigments Exposed to Lead and Aluminum: A Meta-Analysis

“…Toxic metals are classified as chemical elements with a density greater than 5 g . cm -3 or an atomic number greater than 20 (using calcium as a reference), are associated with pollution problems but occur naturally on Earth, and are released during the process of erosion, volcanism and some other naturally occurring disasters (Ozyigit et al, 2016). Industrial and mining activities commonly increase the release of toxic metals through their effluents, which also contain chemicals and other pollutants.…”

“…As a result of industrial and agricultural expansion, toxic metals have become some of the main abiotic agents that influence the stress of organisms and their bioaccumulation and toxicity are found at different environmental levels. Even at low concentrations, toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead and aluminum are potentially toxic to organisms (Ozyigit et al, 2016). However, there are metals (e.g., copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and zinc) that are essential for several biological processes but are harmful at high concentrations (Ozyigit et al, 2016).…”

“…Even at low concentrations, toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead and aluminum are potentially toxic to organisms (Ozyigit et al, 2016). However, there are metals (e.g., copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and zinc) that are essential for several biological processes but are harmful at high concentrations (Ozyigit et al, 2016).…”

“…Lead (Pb) is a major pollutant because it is a potentially toxic metal and accumulates for many years in the soil. It damages the development and negatively affects the physiological and biochemical structures of plants, inhibiting photosynthesis, altering enzymatic activities, and causing the inhibition or reduction of germination and chlorosis in the leaves (Ozyigit et al, 2016). Therefore, Pb has the potential to modify anatomical characteristics, such as the number of stomas, stomatal conductance and the size of vascular bundles (He et al, 2018).…”