Dynamics of cadmium distribution in the intercellular space and inside cells in soybean roots, stems and leaves

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) plants grown in nutrient solution were exposed to 1 mM Cd(NO 3 ) 2 for 24 h. Dynamics of distribution of cadmium among its different forms (water soluble, Ca-exchangeable and complexed) in the intercellular space and the ratio of the intercellular and intracellular cadmium in roots, stems and leaves were studied. In roots, in the beginning of treatment the largest portion of Cd was found in the intercellular space and 1 h later Cd content started to decrease, so that between 13- and 24-h treatment an equilibrium was reached in which about 70% of Cd was found inside cells. In stems, already after 1-h treatment, the Cd concentrations in the cells and intercellular space were similar, the equilibrium being disturbed after 13 h, so that after 24-h treatment 80% of Cd was found inside cells. In leaves, up to the 13 h Cd distribution showed fluctuation, after that equilibrium was reached, with 70% of intracellular Cd. The highest contents of all Cd forms in the intercellular space was observed in roots.