Variation in oxidative stress and photochemical activity in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves subjected to cadmium and excess copper in the presence or absence of jasmonate and ascorbate

We have presented changes in the photosynthetic apparatus activity of Arabidopsis thaliana plants occurring within 15–144 h of 100 μM Cu or Cd action with regard to jasmonate (JA) as well as expression of the oxidative stress and non-enzymic defense mechanisms. The inhibitory effect of both heavy metals related to developing dissipative processes and lipid peroxide formation was expressed in dark-adapted state after the longest time as a decrease in potential quantum yield of PSII. In dark- and light-adapted state the heavy metals affected the enzymic phase of photosynthesis already from the 15th hour, which was related to the lipid peroxide formation. Photochemical quenching decrease was induced after 48th hour and did not show a close correlation with the JA pathway. Blockade of endogenously formed JA by propyl gallate decreased the effect of Cu and Cd on both the whole photosynthetic apparatus starting from the 48th hour and on the primary photochemistry of PSII after 144 h. In the case of Cu the effect was related to a lipid peroxidation decrease and to an increase in glutathione and phytochelatin (PC) levels, but in the case of Cd to lipid peroxidation, O2- and especially to PCs increase. The obtained results indicated that JA after the longest time might enhance the sensitivity of A. thaliana to Cu and Cd stress. Asc enhanced toxic action of Cu and Cd after 15 h, but after a longer time it diminished the influence of Cd (but not Cu) on photosynthetic activity.