Authors: D K Gupta H G Huang F J Corpas
Publish Date: 2013/01/22
Volume: 20, Issue: 4, Pages: 2150-2161
Abstract
Lead Pb is naturally occurring element whose distribution in the environment occurs because of its extensive use in paints petrol explosives sludge and industrial wastes In plants Pb uptake and translocation occurs causing toxic effects resulting in decrease of biomass production Commonly plants may prevent the toxic effect of heavy metals by induction of various celular mechanisms such as adsorption to the cell wall compartmentation in vacuoles enhancement of the active efflux or induction of higher levels of metal chelates like a protein complex metallothioneins and phytochelatins organic citrates and inorganic sulphides complexes Phyotochelains PC are synthesized from glutathione GSH and such synthesis is due to transpeptidation of γglutamyl cysteinyl dipeptides from GSH by the action of a constitutively present enzyme PC synthase Phytochelatin binds to Pb ions leading to sequestration of Pb ions in plants and thus serves as an important component of the detoxification mechanism in plants At cellular level Pb induces accumulation of reactive oxygen species ROS as a result of imbalanced ROS production and ROS scavenging processes by imposing oxidative stress ROS include superoxide radical O2 − hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and hydroxyl radical ·OH which are necessary for the correct functioning of plants however in excess they caused damage to biomolecules such as membrane lipids proteins and nucleic acids among others To limit the detrimental impact of Pb efficient strategies like phytoremediation are required In this review it will discuss recent advancement and potential application of plants for lead removal from the environment
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