Effects of cadmium on lipids of almond seedlings (Prunus dulcis)

Abstract

BackgroundCadmium uptake and distribution, as well as its effects on lipid composition was investigated in almond seedlings (Prunus dulcis) grown in culture solution supplied with two concentrations of Cd (50 and 150 μM).ResultsThe accumulation of Cd increased with external metal concentrations, and was considerably higher in roots than in leaves. Fourteen days after Cd treatment, the membrane lipids were extracted and separated on silica-gel thin layer chromatography (TLC). Fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by FID-GC on a capillary column. Our results showed that Cd stress decreased the quantities of all lipids classes (phospholipids, galactolipids and neutral lipids). Galactolipid, phospholipid and neutral lipid concentrations decreased more in roots than in leaves by Cd-treatment. In almost all lipid classes the proportion of palmitic acid (16:0), linoleic (18: 2) and that of linolenic (18: 3) acid decreased, suggesting that heavy metal treatment induced an alteration in the fatty acid synthesis processes.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our results show that the changes found in total fatty acids, in the quantities of all lipids classes, and in the in the profiles of individual polar lipids suggest that membrane structure and function might be altered by Cd stress.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-014-0061-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Calcium application enhances growth and alleviates the damaging effects induced by Cd stress in sesame (Sesamum indicumL.)

“…The total phospholipid and neutral lipids were observed to be higher in calcium-treated plants, and calcium application ameliorated the cadmium-induced decline to some extent. Our present observations agree with previous reports (Elloumi et al 2014;Abd_Allah et al 2015). Among the phospholipids estimated, phosphatidic acid showed a slight increase with cadmium stress; a similar increment was reported by Ammar et al (2008) in tomato.…”

“…The results of the present study support the findings of Elloumi et al (2014), Abd_Allah et al (2015) and Ahmad et al (2015). Plants that are exposed to extreme environments exhibit an increased accumulation of free radicals, which can alter the metabolism and membrane functioning .…”

“…Exposure of plants to stress brings down the hydraulic conductivity and hampers cell wall extensibility, which decreases the growth rate (Ehlert et al 2009). Cadmium transport toward shoots was reduced by calcium application, and similar to our earlier results, Ci et al (2009), Elloumi et al (2014) and Abd_Allah et al (2015) reported reduced cadmium accumulation in the upper parts of wheat, almond and sunflower plants. Plants are very sensitive to cadmium, and even low concentrations of cadmium can prove toxic to major metabolic pathways.…”

“…Improved lipid synthesis can mediate and rectify ROS or hormone-regulated signaling (Wi et al 2014). Reduced phospholipid and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis due to Cd stress has also been reported in different plants (Ben Ammar et al 2007;Elloumi et al 2014;Sofo et al 2016). Calcium application mitigated the cadmium stress on phospholipids and neutral lipids, all of which play an important role in membrane functioning (Kuznetsova et al 2008;Abd_Allah et al 2015).…”

“…In another study, the photosynthetic pigments in Abelmoschus esculentus L. and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. were reduced by Cd stress (Mangal et al 2013). Supplementation of sufficient amounts of mineral elements such as K, Ca, Mn and Mg maintains an optimal composition of photosynthetic pigments for the sufficient synthesis of photoassimilates (Elloumi et al 2014;Ahmad et al 2015).…”