Local ans systemic effects of exposure of Arabidopsis thaliana to increased metal concentrations: integration of gene expression and root morphology to reveal molecular parameters with ecological significance in mono- and multi -pollution. (R-1447)

The objective of this project is the accurate determination of the role of some genes that have occurred in the transcription analysis, which will also addresse the physiological / ecological aspect. The study will be extended by adding Zn, because Zn and Cd usually occurs togheter in contaminated soils. In published studies plants are usually exposed to a single metal. Since Cu and Zn are redox-active and therefore directly causes oxidative stress, it is interesting to make a comparison of the specific molecular responses caused by the various metals, both individually as in a multi-pollution context. The results of the project. The precise determination of the role of genes in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of metaaltoxicity is interesting from a fundamental biological point of view. Additional knowledge will be gathered concerning the reaction of the plant to different metals and specificity of the underlying signaling mechanisms in a multi-pollution context. Since a number of genes and mutants can be studied, a hierachy of responses can be prepared. This is in line with the 'forward genetics approach' and helps to clarify early responses to metal stress. Studying and comparing the effects of Cd, Cu and Zn together, is a more realistic situation towards the problem of pollution. The possibility exists to validated the results on a number of characterized contaminated soils, and for the expression of orthologic genes in plants that could be used as alternative crops in these soils (eg poplar).This can contribute to the research into monitoring of pollution and fytoremediation, a major thrust of research within the group of environmental biology.

Keywords:HEAVY METALS, METAL TOLERANCE, SOIL CONTAMINATION

Disciplines:Biological sciences