.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Nickel stress modulates growth dynamics, disrupts redox homeostasis, and induces ultrastructural damage in maize
.png){kind=icon}
OA
AI
M
B
S
M
Z
M
I
C
Y
DOI：10.1016/j.cropd.2025.100122.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
Heavy metal (HMs) contamination is becoming increasingly critical due to rapid urbanization and unregulated industrialization. Nickel (Ni), although an essential trace element for plants, becomes toxic at high concentration, where it can accumulate to phytotoxic levels and make plants highly susceptible to its adverse effects. This study investigated the impact of variable Ni concentrations on maize seedlings by analyzing physiological, biochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular responses to understand the stress adaptation mechanisms. The results showed that Ni exposure suppressed plant growth and development by inducing oxidative stress, limiting nutrient uptake, and reducing photosynthetic efficiency. Higher Ni concentrations led to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in roots and shoots, resulting in oxidative damage as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content and ultrastructural disruptions. In vivo ROS detection using Dichloro-dihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining further confirmed ROS overaccumulation under stress. Antioxidant enzyme activities initially increased with Ni levels, but declined sharply at the highest concentration, while ROS levels continued to rise, suggesting a breakdown in redox homeostasis. Furthermore, qPCR analysis revealed changes in the expression of antioxidant-related genes under Ni stress. In summary, Ni exposure disrupted redox balance, triggered oxidative damage, and activated defense responses in maize seedlings.
Keywords:
Zea mays L.
Nickel oxidative stress
ROS
Antioxidants
Biomarkers
Ultrastructure
AI Summary
Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.
Journal
C
IF:
0
Papers:
13
Citations:
0
Organization
Cited Papers