Effects of antimony on redox activities and antioxidant defence systems in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants.

ABSTRACT: The alterations induced by the toxicity of antimony (Sb) in the roots and leaves of sunflower plants were determined. The plants were grown hydroponically with different concentrations of Sb, a heavy metal which reduces biomass production and growth. There was preferential accumulation of Sb in the tissues of the roots, with the concentrations in the leaves being much lower. The accumulation of other mineral elements was also altered, especially that of Fe and Zn. Chlorophyll content declined, as also did the photosynthetic efficiency, but the carotenoid content remained unaltered. The total content of phenolics, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoid glycosides rose, evidence of their participation in the defence response. Increases were observed in the amount of superoxide anion in both roots a

SUBMITTER: Ortega A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5585001 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature