Cadmium and Copper Stress Responses in Soapbark Tree (<i>Quillaja saponaria</i>): Effects on Growth, Metal Accumulation, Saponin Concentration, and Gene Expression.

ABSTRACT: Heavy metals such as Cu and Cd are important pollutants. Quillay (Quillaja saponaria) is a tree species endemic to Chile that is of worldwide commercial interest due to its saponins. It can grow on contaminated sites. However, the biological mechanisms underlying its defensive responses remain elusive. This study aimed to characterize Quillay plants under Cu and Cd stress and identify mechanisms controlling their interaction with these metals. We subjected six-month-old plants to Cu (75, 150, and 300 μM) and Cd (20, 40, and 80 μM) in hydroponics for a week and assessed growth, metal accumulation, saponin production, and the expression of a suite of stress-induced genes. Those genes are related to phytochelatins (PCS) and metallothioneins (MT), the antioxidant system (<

SUBMITTER: Lazo J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11901668 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature