Response of Specific Stress Biomarkers in Lycopersicon Esculentum Exposed to Two Heavy Metals (Cadmium and Copper)

Abstract

Introduction: Certain industrial and agricultural practices are responsible for the introduction of trace metal elements into the soil. As a result, these ETMs are absorbed, translocated, and accumulated in various compartments of the plant, leading to an overproduction of ROS that induces oxidative stress

Objectives: In this context, our study aims to evaluate the response of specific stress biomarkers (total proteins, proline content, glutathione (GSH), lipid levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activity) in Lycopersicon esculentum exposed to cadmium and copper separately.

Methods: Plants previously grown in trays were subjected to a treatment for 7 days with increasing concentrations of CdCl₂ (0, 50, 100, 200µM) and CuSO₄ (0, 200, 400, 800µM).

Results: The results show a toxic effect, characterized by a significant increase in protein levels, proline content, glutathione, MDA, and CAT activity. Conversely, lipid levels decrease significantly with increasing concentrations of both metals.

Conclusions: These results highlight the occurrence of oxidative burst following exposure to metal stress, which is counteracted by the plant's defense system, including its antioxidant system.