Abstract:
Investigation was made of effect of simulated Cd
2+ pollution on the antioxidase system and ultrastructure of the cells of
Ottelia alismoides(L.)Pers.leaves,mainly chloroplasts,mitochondria and cell nucleus. It was found that with increase in the stress,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and soluble protein content decreased drastically,while malonyl(MDA)increased;and that the activity of peroxidase(POD)and catalase(CAT)peaked at 0 1mg/L of the pollutant and declined afterwards. Electronic microscopic observation showed that at the early stage of the toxication,chloroplasts and mitochondria were swelling up;and thylakoids vacuolized apparently. Higher concentration of Cd
2+ aggravated the damage,making chloroplast membranes disappear and chloroplasts disintegrate,mitochondrion mesenchyme dissolve and mitochondria be on the verge of disorganization,and nucleolus chromatin agglutinate and merge into cytoplasm. Cd
2+ pollution not only destroys the plant’s antioxidase system,but also causes irreversible damage to its ultrastructure,thus leading the cells to death.