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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
High-Throughput Metabolic Profiling for Model Refinements of Microalgae
Published on: December 4, 2021
Profenofos induced modulation in physiological indices, genomic template stability and protein banding patterns of
Balkrishna Tiwari1, Sindhunath Chakraborty1, Savita Singh1
1a Laboratory of Microbial Genetics, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University , Varanasi , India.
Abstract:
To understand the mechanism underlying organophosphate pesticide toxicity, cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120 was subjected to varied concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg L(-1)) of profenofos and the effects were investigated in terms of changes in cellular physiology, genomic template stability and protein expression pattern. The supplementation of profenofos reduced the growth, total pigment content and photosynthetic efficiency of the test organism in a dose dependent manner with maximum toxic effect at 30 mg L(-1). The high fluorescence intensity of 2', 7' -dichlorofluorescin diacetate and increased production of malondialdehyde confirmed the prevalence of acute oxidative stress condition inside the cells of the cyanobacterium. Rapid amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting and SDS-PAGE analyses showed a significant alteration in the banding patterns of DNA and proteins respectively. A marked increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase activity and a concomitant reduction in glutathione content indicated their possible role in supporting the growth of Anabaena 7120 up to 20 mg L(-1). These findings suggest that the uncontrolled use of profenofos in the agricultural fields may not only lead to the destruction of the cyanobacterial population, but it would also disturb the nutrient dynamics and energy flow.
Insights
Organophosphate pesticide profenofos causes oxidative stress and damages DNA and proteins in Anabaena PCC 7120. This pesticide toxicity threatens cyanobacterial populations and disrupts ecosystem nutrient dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Cyanobacterial Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Organophosphate pesticides are widely used in agriculture.
- Understanding their environmental impact on non-target organisms like cyanobacteria is crucial.
- Anabaena PCC 7120 is a key nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium with ecological significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the toxicological mechanisms of profenofos in Anabaena PCC 7120.
- To assess the effects of profenofos on cellular physiology, genomic stability, and protein expression.
- To investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes in Anabaena PCC 7120's response to profenofos.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Anabaena PCC 7120 to varying concentrations of profenofos (0-30 mg L⁻¹).
- Measurement of growth, pigment content, and photosynthetic efficiency.
- Assessment of oxidative stress markers (DCFDA, MDA), DNA integrity (RAPD), and protein profiles (SDS-PAGE).
Main Results:
- Profenofos significantly reduced growth, pigments, and photosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner.
- Increased oxidative stress was confirmed by elevated DCFDA fluorescence and MDA production.
- Significant alterations in DNA and protein banding patterns were observed, indicating genotoxicity and proteomic changes.
Conclusions:
- Profenofos induces significant physiological and molecular damage in Anabaena PCC 7120.
- Antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, peroxidase) play a role in mitigating toxicity up to a certain threshold.
- Widespread profenofos use poses a threat to cyanobacterial populations and ecosystem functions.
