Croissance, activité peroxydasique et modifications ultrastructurales induites par le cadmium dans la racine de tomate

Accumulation of Cd in the organs of young tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum var. Ibiza F1), as well as its effects on growth, peroxidasic activity, and root ultrastructure were evaluated. Plants previously cultivated in a basic nutrient solution and then treated for 10 days with different concentrations of CdCl2 (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 μM) accumulated high quantities of cadmium in their root tissues and showed reduced growth. Increased peroxidasic activity observed at this level reflects a state of oxidative stress induced by cadmium. An ultrastructural study of the root apex showed a strong vacuolization in the meristematic cells as well as deposition of electron-dense material in vacuoles and plastids. On either side of the cell wall, a medullated-like and (or) vesicular membrane system developed over a significant periplasmic space. Results suggest an endocellular metal accumulation leading to a disorganization of membrane systems, probably related to the onset of an oxidative state of stress.Key w...