Ethylene biosynthesis and cadmium toxicity in leaf tissue of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. )

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Plant Physiol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.70.1.162· OSTI ID:6416470

Fuhrer, J

Stress ethylene production in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., ev. Taylor's Horticultural) leaf tissue was stimulated by Cd/sup 2 +/ at concentrations above 1 micromolar. Cd/sup 2 +/-induced ethylene biosynthesis was dependent upon synthesis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) by ACC synthase. Activity of ACC synthase and ethylene production rate peaked at 8 h of treatment. The subsequent decline in enzyme activity was most likely due to inactivation of the enzyme by Cd/sup 2 +/, which inhibited ACC synthase activity in vitro at concentrations as low as 0.1 micromolar. Decrease in ethylene production rate was accompanied by leakage of solutes and increasing inhibition of ACC-dependent ethylene production. Ca/sup 2 +/, present during a 2-hour preincubation, reduced the effect of Cd/sup 2 +/ on leakage and ACC conversion. This suggests that Cd/sup 2 +/ exerts its toxicity through membrane damage and inactivation of enzymes. The possibility of an indirect stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis through a wound signal from injured cells is discussed.

• Research Organization: Yale Univ., New Haven, CT
• OSTI ID: 6416470
• Journal Information: Plant Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 70:1; ISSN PLPHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ALKENES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
BIOSYNTHESIS
CADMIUM
CALCIUM
ELEMENTS
ENZYMES
ETHYLENE
HYDROCARBONS
INHIBITION
LEAVES
LEGUMINOSAE
METALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHASEOLUS
PLANTS
SYNTHESIS
TOXICITY