Research in Genes and Proteins Open Access

Abstract

Assessment of Morpho-Biochemical and Gene Expression Levels in Solanum nigrum L. as Hyperaccumulator Plant at Cadmium Conditions

Raana Norouzia*, Sepideh Ghotbzadeh-Kermanib, Hosein Abbaspourc, Amin Baghizadehd and Effat Ahmadi Mousavie

Physiological, morphological, biochemical responses and genes expression of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) seedlings to cadmium (Cd: 0 mg kg^-1, 12.5 mg kg^-1, 25 mg kg^-1, 50 mg kg^-1 and 100 mg kg^-1) were assessed, as well as their cadmium accumulation potential for phytoremediation. Plant growth, physiological parameters (photosynthesis pigments), biochemical parameters (oxidative stress indicators and osmolyte contents), cadmium accumulations and gene expression were altered as Cd levels increased. Plant growth and chlorophyll content were negatively affected by Cd only at 100 mg kg^-1. Cd was found to significantly raise carotenoid and osmolyte contents as well as the expression of P5CS and W36 genes. As a result of Cd treatments, the seedlings exhibited more oxidative stress indicators than control plants, which confirmed their exposure to stress; however, growth parameters and chlorophyll contents did not significantly change. The Cd accumulation in seedlings increased with elevated Cd concentration (the maximum value of Cd accumulation was 174 mg Cd kg^-1 and 151 mg Cd kg^-1 DW in shoots and roots, respectively). The value of the Translocation Factor (TF) of Cd enhanced by increasing the levels of Cd in soil with an average value of 1.08. This study indicated that black nightshade seedlings unchanged photosynthesis capacity and growth parameters as well as developed defense mechanisms by regulating carotenoid content, osmolyte accumulation and some genes against Cd stress. Also, this plant was favorable for Cd uptake and we suggest its ability for the remediation of Cd contaminated soils as a hyperaccumulator plant.

Published Date: 2023-09-15; Received Date: 2020-06-23