Effects of exogenous myristic acid on growth and germination of Brassica napus L. under zirconium toxicity
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Date
2016
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Lipids when exogenously applied are known to cause various changes in ROS
levels produced within plants. They can either be beneficial to the plant when not
stimulating the overproduction of ROS thus resulting in improved germination and
development or on the contrary, increasing the level of ROS produced, causing
oxidative stress and thus leading to cell death of the plant. In this study, we report
that a saturated fatty acid known as MA increased the germination percentages of
Brassica napus L. seedlings when applied at a low concentration. When applied at
higher concentrations, it was shown that elevated levels of ROS within the
seedlings occurred therefore leading to a decrease in germination percentage as
well as stunting of seedling growth. Physiological experiments such as biomass and
cell death determination were conducted to further elucidate the effects of MA on
the seedlings. Biochemical assays were performed to determine the oxidative state
of specific ROS such as superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Description
Magister Scientiae - MSc (Biotechnology)