Cadmium induced potassium efflux from Scenedesmus quadricauda
- Univ. of Hyderabad (India)
Plants, algae and bacteria respond to heavy metal toxicity by inducing different enzymes, ion influx/efflux for ionic balance and synthesize small peptides such as poly({gamma}-glutamyl cysteinyl) glycines called phytochelatins (PCs) mainly consisting of glutamate, cysteine and glycine. These peptides bind metal ions and reduce toxicity. The uptake of metal ions comprises two phases. The first phase consists of a quick and nonspecific binding of the cations to negatively-charged membrane components located at the cell surface. The second phase consists of energy-dependent intracellular uptake of the metal ions. During uptake of Co{sup 2+} by yeast cells, an electroneutral 2:1 exchange with K{sup +} was found. Cd{sup 2+} uptake by yeast also caused loss of cell K{sup +}, however, there was no electroneutral exchange of K{sup +}. The molar ratio of K{sup +} released and Cd{sup 2+} accumulated by yeast in the initial stage of incubation is 22 and seems to be independent of the Cd concentration. Disruption of the cell membrane of part of the cells, according to an all-or-none process, by Cd{sup 2+} may explain the disproportional loss of cell K{sup +} during Cd{sup 2+} uptake. This paper examines the exchange of K{sup +} with Cd{sup 2+} uptake in Scenedesmus quadricauda, and whether it follows an electroneutral 2:1 exchange or an all-or-none process. 11 refs., 2 figs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 35675
- Journal Information:
- Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 49, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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