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Ni2+ toxicity in rice: effect on membrane functionality and plant water content
Andreu Llamas1, Cornelia I Ullrich, Amparo Sanz
1Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Universitat de València. c/ Dr Moliner 50, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
Nickel toxicity in rice plants causes wilting and leaf necrosis by disrupting root cell membrane function. Long-term exposure leads to potassium loss, affecting water content, but effects are reversible.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Environmental toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nickel is an essential trace nutrient but can reach toxic levels in plants.
- Nickel (Ni2+) toxicity causes wilting and leaf necrosis.
- Root plasma membranes are crucial barriers and targets for heavy metal toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the link between plasma membrane (PM) dysfunction and nickel toxicity symptoms in rice.
- Understand the short-term and long-term effects of Ni2+ on root cell membrane properties.
Main Methods:
- Rice plants (Oryza sativa L. cv. Bahia) were exposed to 0.5mM Ni2+ in nutrient solutions.
- Measured water content, PM potential, PM-H+-ATPase activity, membrane permeability, and K+ content.
- Assessed effects of Ni2+ removal on plant recovery.
Main Results:
- Ni2+ significantly decreased plant water content and induced PM depolarization.
- PM-H+-ATPase activity was not inhibited, and resting potential recovered quickly.
- Short-term membrane permeability was unaffected, but long-term K+ loss occurred in roots and shoots.
- Stomatal conductance and transpiration remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Nickel toxicity in rice primarily affects water content through long-term K+ loss, not immediate membrane permeability changes.
- Root plasma membrane depolarization occurs but does not inhibit PM-H+-ATPase activity.
- The toxic effects of nickel are partially reversible upon removal of the metal.
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