Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential nutrient that takes vital roles in
biochemical processes related to energy metabolism, regulation of enzyme
activity, nucleic acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Mg deficiency
in arable lands is an emerging problem. Loss of balance in different metabolic
pathways due to Mg deficiency causes increased production of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) such as O2.-, H2O2
and HO. in the roots. The aim
of this work was to elucidate the antioxidant response of roots of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to Mg deficiency.
For this aim, antioxidant enzyme activities were measured and changes in their
isoenzymes were determined. In addition, NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity was
investigated to determine the changes in ROS signaling. Moreover, H2O2
and lipid peroxidation levels were also measured as an indicator of oxidative
damage. Findings of this work indicate
that Mg deficiency does not cause oxidative load in roots of Gossypium hirsutum plants that
overwhelms cellular antioxidant defence system, as evident by H2O2
and TBARS levels. However, to adjust to the new redox status, root cells
drastically downregulate NOX dependent ROS production and induced total
superoxide dismutase activity. These findings indicate that site of O2.-
production is mitochondria in roots. Although, catalase and ascorbate
peroxidase activities were decreased with Mg deficiency induced peroxidase
activity seems to limit H2O2 accumulation. These adaptive
responses and changes in antioxidant defence were sufficient to prevent excess
ROS accumulation and occurrence of oxidative damage in roots of Gossypium hirsutum plants under Mg
deficiency