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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Natural Product Discovery with LC-MS/MS Diagnostic Fragmentation Filtering: Application for Microcystin Analysis
Published on: May 31, 2019
Bioaccumulation of microcystin and its oxidative stress in the apple (Malus pumila)
Jianzhong Chen1, Jian Dai, Haiyang Zhang
1School of Life Science, Huzhou University, 313000, Huzhou, People's Republic of China. jzchen@hutc.zj.cn
Abstract:
The bioaccumulation and harmful effects of microcystins (MCs) and the activity of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were examined in the apple (Malus pumila) exposed in vitro with the crude extract of toxic cyanobacterial blooms from Dianchi Lake in southwestern China. The results showed that the growth and proliferation of M. pumila shoots in vitro decreased markedly after exposure to microcystins above 0.3 microg/ml. Recovered microcystins determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in M. pumila shoot cultures increased with exposure time and concentration. After 14 days exposure to the concentration of 3 microg/ml microcystins, M. pumila shoot cultures accumulated microcystins up to a concentration of 510.23 +/- 141.10 ng MC-LR equiv/g FW (fresh weight), equivalent to an accumulation rate of 36.45 ng/g day. POD activity was significantly increased after 7 days exposure to 3 microg/ml microcystins. After 14 days of exposure, microcystins caused POD to increase significantly at the concentration of 0.3 and 3 microg/ml. The activity of SOD was not affected by microcystins at concentrations up to 3 microg/ml on 7 days. After 14 days exposure to microcystins, SOD activity increased significantly at the concentration of 0.3 and 3 microg/ml in M. pumila shoot cultures.
Insights
Microcystins from toxic cyanobacteria inhibit apple shoot growth and increase accumulation in vitro. Exposure also elevated peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, indicating oxidative stress in apple plants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Plant science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microcystins (MCs) are potent toxins produced by cyanobacteria.
- Toxic cyanobacterial blooms pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and potentially agriculture.
- Understanding plant responses to microcystins is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bioaccumulation of microcystins in apple (Malus pumila) shoots.
- To assess the harmful effects of microcystins on apple shoot growth and proliferation.
- To examine the impact of microcystins on antioxidant enzyme activity (peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in apple shoots.
Main Methods:
- In vitro exposure of Malus pumila shoot cultures to crude extract from toxic cyanobacterial blooms.
- Quantification of microcystin accumulation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Measurement of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at various exposure times and microcystin concentrations.
Main Results:
- Apple shoot growth and proliferation were significantly reduced at microcystin concentrations above 0.3 microg/ml.
- Microcystin accumulation in apple shoots increased with exposure time and concentration, reaching 510.23 ng MC-LR equiv/g FW after 14 days at 3 microg/ml.
- Peroxidase activity significantly increased after 7 and 14 days of exposure, while superoxide dismutase activity increased after 14 days at higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Microcystins bioaccumulate in Malus pumila shoots and negatively impact their growth in vitro.
- Exposure to microcystins induces oxidative stress in apple shoots, as evidenced by increased POD and SOD activity.
- These findings highlight the potential phytotoxicity of microcystins and their accumulation in edible plant tissues.
