Effects of metal combinations on the production of phytochelatins and glutathione by the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Biometals : an International Journal on the Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine
Silvia K KawakamiEric P Achterberg

Abstract

Copper, Cd and Zn can be found at elevated concentrations in contaminated estuarine and coastal waters and have potential toxic effects on phytoplankton species. In this study, the effects of these metals on the intracellular production of the polypeptides phytochelatin and glutathione by the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum were examined in laboratory cultures. Single additions of Cu and Cd (0.4 microM Cu2 and 0.45 microM Cd2+) to the culture medium induced the production of short-chained phytochelatins ((gamma-Glu-Cys)n-Gly where n = 2-5), whereas a single addition of Zn (2.2 microM Zn2+) did not stimulate phytochelatin production. Combination of Zn with Cu resulted in a similar phytochelatin production compared with a single Cu addition. The simultaneous exposure to Zn and Cd led to an antagonistic effect on phytochelatin production, which was probably caused by metal competition for cellular binding sites. Glutathione concentrations were affected only upon exposure to Cd (85% increase) or the combination of Cd with Zn (65% decrease), relative to the control experiment. Ratios of phytochelatins to glutathione indicated a pronounced metal stress in response to exposures to Cu or Cd combined with Zn. This study indicate...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jun 26, 2008·Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·Elisabetta Morelli, Laura Fantozzi
Oct 17, 2015·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Krystian MiazekDorothee Goffin
Jul 17, 2012·Aquatic Toxicology·Elisabetta MorelliEdi Gabellieri
Oct 3, 2008·Marine Environmental Research·M Teresa S D Vasconcelos, M Fernanda C Leal
Dec 15, 2020·Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology : CBP·Rabbul Ibne A Ahad, Mayashree B Syiem

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