Changes of photosynthetic activities of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings in response to cadmium stress

• DOI: 10.1007/s11099-009-0043-2
• Publication Date: 2009-08-12T06:11:58Z
• Authors: H. Wang; S.C. Zhao; R.L. Liu; W. Zhou; J.Y. Jin
• Keywords: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase; Photosynthetic capacity; Plant Physiology

Maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings were grown in nutrient solution culture containing 0, 5, and 20 μM cadmium (Cd) the effects on various aspects of photosynthesis investigated after 24, 48, 96 168 h Cd treatments. Photosynthetic rate (P N) decreased 48 5μM addition, respectively. Chl a total content leaves declined under exposure. b extending period exposure to h. The maximum quantum efficiency potential photosynthetic capacity PSII, indicated by Fv/Fm Fv/Fo, respectively, depressed onset After 24 treatments, activities ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.39) phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC, 4.1.1.31) started decrease, We found that limitation stressed maize was associated with toxicity light dark stages. However, stress initially reduced Rubisco PEPC subsequently affected PSII electron transfer, suggesting Calvin cycle reactions plants are primary target toxic effect rather than PSII.