Induction of oxidative stress related responses in Arabidopsis thaliana following uranium exposure

Induction of the anti-oxidative defense system, comprising several anti-oxidant molecules and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes, seems to be of great importance in heavy metal toxicity. The importance of oxidative stress related responses induced in plants after environmental uranium contamination has been insufficiently studied in the past. In this study, responses on the development of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were investigated after exposure to different uranium concentrations for 3 days. The importance of oxidative stress related responses in uranium toxicity was evaluated by analyzing relevant enzymes of the antioxidative defense system (SOD and CAT) on protein and transcriptional level. Results indicate important toxicity effects on growth and plant development after exposure to 100 µM uranium. Furthermore the study indicates that the induction of oxidative stress related responses plays a role in uranium stress but responses differ for leaves and roots.