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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Soybean Hairy Root Transformation for the Analysis of Gene Function
Published on: May 5, 2023
Aluminum stress increases carbon-centered radicals in soybean roots
Mitsuru Abo1, Hiroki Yonehara, Etsuro Yoshimura
1Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
Abstract:
The formation of radical species was examined in roots of soybean seedlings exposed to aluminum (Al). Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of root homogenates with the spin-trapping reagent 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DEPMPO) indicated the presence of carbon-centered radicals in plants not exposed to Al. Plants exposed to 50 microM Al showed a similar spectrum, with increased signal intensity. These radicals were likely produced through a H-atom abstraction reaction by hydroxyl (*OH) radicals, the synthesis of which was initiated by the formation of superoxide (O2*-) anions. The increased production of the carbon-centered radicals may be responsible for the lipid peroxidation in Al-treated roots.
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