Journal of Environmental Biology

Study on physio-biochemical attributes and metallothionein gene expression affected by chromium (VI) in sugarcane

(Saccharum spp. hybrid)

Radha Jain*, S.P. Singh, Anshu Singh, Smita Singh, Pramila Tripathi, A. Chandra and S. Solomon

Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow-226 002, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: radha_dinesh@yahoo.co.in

Publication Data

Paper received:

08 December 2014

Revised received:

29 May 2015

Accepted:

06 June 2015

Abstract

Single bud setts of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybdrid) cultivar? CoLk 94184 was grown in soil tray culture conditions at varying levels of Cr (VI) viz., 0, 10 and 50 ppm? in the form of potassium dichromate to study? the effects of Cr exposure on growth, physio-biochemical attributes and metallothionein (MT) gene expression. The results obtained showed stunted growth, leaf chlorosis, reduced bud sprouting, plant height, root and shoot weight, plant vigor due to chromium in growing medium, 50 ppm Cr exhibited marked effect. Biochemical measurements indicated reduction in chlorophyll a, b and total and carotenoids contents, accumulation of proline and induction of lipid peroxidation, in terms of high malondialdehyde content, in leaf tissues of plants exposed to excess Cr. Specific activity of peroxidase enzyme in various plant organs decreased at 50 ppm Cr, and at 10 ppm it increased in leaf and root tissues. Metallothionein (MT) mRNA expression analysis showed increased MT gene expression with increase in Cr supply in both leaf and stalk tissues however, in leaf tissues,? gene expression was comparatively low. Upregulation of MT gene due to high chromium in growing medium may help sugarcane crop in tolerance to Cr toxicity.?

 Key words

Chromium, Metallothionein gene, Photosynthetic pigments, Sugarcane 

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