Year: 1989
Type: article
Abstract: Differentiated plants and suspension cultures of the taxonomic divisions Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, and Spermatophyta have been investigated as to their ability to detoxify heavy metals like Cd2+ through the formation of (γ-Glu -Cys)n-Giy peptides, the phytochelatins. Over 200 individual plants have been checked and there was not a single exception observed. Only in the order Fabales several species mainly of the tribus Fabaceae form upon exposure to Cd2+ ions peptides of the general structure (γ-Glu-Cys)n -β-Ala, the homo-phytochelatins. The existence of glutathione and homo-glutathione within a given species determines whether phytochelatins or their homo-derivatives are formed. The ability to form phytochelatins for metal homeostasis and metal detoxification is a principal feature of plant metabolism .
Source: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C
Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,712
OpenAlex ID: W2276348754