Effect of Zinc on Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) Metabolites and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities.

Abstract

In the given study, the toxic effect of zinc (Zn) was studied with special attention being given to the
biochemical response of Lens culinaris L., exposed to zinc toxicity at different concentration levels.
The research carried out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications of each treatment.
The major change was observed in the production and accumulation of primary metabolites (i.e.
protein and protease) and activity of antioxidant enzymes i.e. catalase (CAT) and acid phosphatase
(APS). The data showed that the low concentration of Zn addition support soluble protein accumulation
in lentil leaves, although protease activity greatly arrested the protein content and appeared as a
negative factor with increasing Zn levels. The response of antioxidant enzymes was also dose dependant,
it increases their activity to suppress oxidative stress produced by heavy metal but at high dose they
become ineffective due to increase in oxidation process controlled by metal application. The peak of
activity appeared at 4ppm to 8ppm Zn.a